Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548460 Composed by Johann Pachelbel. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Instructional,Standards,Wedding. Score and part. 8 pages. Jmsgu3 #3385399. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548460). The famous Pachelbel Canon arranged for viola & piano. Great for weddings & receptions. Pachelbel's Canon Pachelbel's Canon is, in fact, the traditional title for a composition by the German composer Johann Pachelbel. Other names for the work include namely: Canon and Gigue for 3 violins and basso continuo, Canon and Gigue in D, and of course Canon in D. We do not know when or why in particular it was written. The oldest copy is surprisingly from the 19th century. It is important to realize that it was a common routine for organists to practice improvisation on the chord progression underlying the canon. Pachelbel originally scored the Canon notably for three violins and continuo. He also in fact paired the Canon with a gigue. The movements are homotonal, to clarify, both are in the key of D major. History In due time, Pachelbel's Canon went out of style and remained in virtual oblivion for centuries. The Jean-François Paillard chamber orchestra, however, recorded an arrangement of it in 1968. As a result, it gained approval.  Many ensembles began likewise to record the piece in the 1970s and by the 1980s became ubiquitous as background music. From the 1970s to the early 2000s, pop songs correspondingly used elements of the piece. The chord progression, in particular, was used this way. Also, since the 1980s, it has been not only wildly popular for weddings, but also for funeral ceremonies in the USA and Europe. Pachelbel Background Johann Pachelbel (1653 –1706) was a German composer, as well as an organist. He was furthermore instrumental in bringing the south German organ school to its apex. He wrote a large body of music, both sacred and, equally important, secular. In particular, he uniquely helped develop the chorale prelude and fugue. For this, he has, in fact, earned a rightful place in the company of the most significant composers of the mid-Baroque period. Works Pachelbel's music was certainly popular. With this in mind, he also consequently had many pupils. His music expressly developed into a model for the south German composers. Nowadays, Pachelbel is most famous particularly for the Canon in D, as well as the F minor Chaconne, the Toccata in E minor, and of course the Hexachordum Apollinis, a set of variations for the keyboard. Influences Johann Jakob Froberger and Johann Caspar Kerll were south German composers who significantly influenced Pachelbel. Furthermore, he was especially influenced by Italians such as Frescobaldi and Poglietti. He frequently preferred an articulate, simple contrapuntal style that highlighted clarity. His music is markedly less extravagant and harmonically adventurous than that of Dieterich Buxtehude. However, as a point often overlooked, like Buxtehude, Pachelbel experimented with different instrumental combinations in his chamber music. Legacy All in all, Pachelbel was most famous as a composer for the keyboard. He composed over two hundred pieces specifically for the instrument. Pachelbel was also surprisingly a prolific composer of vocal music. All in all, about a hundred vocal works survive, including 40 or so large-scale works. 

Piano,Viola - Level 5 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549240 Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 17 pages. Jmsgu3 #3473581. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549240). Flight of the Bumblebee from Korsakov's Tale of Tsar Saltan Score: 11 pages, Solo part: 3 pages, Piano accompaniment part: 3 pages. Duration: ca. 1:15 Amaze your listeners with this short but great recital encore! Flight of the Bumblebee Flight of the Bumblebee is, to be sure, an orchestral interlude composed by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for his opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan. Korsakov, of course, intended to musically portray the chaotic flying pattern of a bumblebee. Nowadays, this piece is one of the comparatively more famous classical works because it frequently appears from time to time in popular culture. In the opera, the piece appears notably at the close of Act III, Tableau 1. This is when the magic Swan-Bird, in fact, changes the Prince (the son of the Tsar) into a bee so he can fly away to visit his father. Interestingly, at this point in the drama, his father, in effect, does not know that he is alive.   Korsakov Background Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 –1908) was a uniquely famous composer from Russia. He was likewise a member of an infamous assembly of composers called The Five. Korsakov was furthermore an expert in orchestration. His correspondingly most famous orchestral compositions-Capriccio Espagnol, the Russian Easter Festival Overture, and the Scheherazade suite-are important monuments of the standard music repertoire.  Also, comparatively very important are his suites and excerpts from his 15 operas. Korsakov was moreover fond of using Russian folklore and fairy tales in his music, such as Scheherazade.  Nationalistic Style Korsakov believed, similarly to fellow outspoken composer Balakirev, in creating a nationalistic, Russia-centric style of classical music. The new style was in fact called Orientalism. It similarly relied on native Russian materials, exotic scales, and experimental harmonic, melodic and rhythmic procedures. This practice, conversely, ran counter to the developments in Western musical culture. Musical Developments Nevertheless, Korsakov developed an appreciation of Western musical techniques after he became a professor of musical composition, harmony, and orchestration at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1871. Moreover, he undertook a rigorous three-year program of self-education and mastered Western methods, incorporating them in conjunction with the influences of Mikhail Glinka and other members of The Five. His techniques of composition and orchestration were additionally enriched by his exposure to the works of Richard Wagner. Naval Service Korsakov combined his music career accordingly with a career in the Russian military. He was in the first place an officer in the Russian Navy. In due time, he was appointed as a civilian Inspector of Naval Bands. As a result, Korsakov expanded his knowledge of woodwind and brass playing, which in turn heightened his capabilities in orchestration. Legacy Korsakov in due time contributed a significant number of Russian nationalist works. He also prepared, from time to time, compositions by The Five for presentation. This brought their works straightaway into the active classical repertoire as well. He also shaped an entire generation of younger composers during his time as a music educator. Therefore, music historians consider Korsakov as the foremost engineer of what the public considers to be the Russian style of composition. He served, all in all, as a transitional figure between The Five and the classically trained composers who became the norm over time. In addition to the Russians, he forthwith influenced non-Russian composers such as Ravel, Debussy, Dukas, and Respighi.  

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550518 Composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Standards. Score and part. 23 pages. Jmsgu3 #4719615. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550518). Sonata da Chiesa No. 6 in Bb Major for Viola & Piano by Antonio Vivaldi in Four movements. Duration: ca. 12:10. Score: 16 pages. Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer and violinist in the Baroque period, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. He was a major influence on many other composers of the Baroque era, and his influence can still be felt in music today.Vivaldi's most important contribution to music history was his development of the sonata da chiesa, or church sonata. This form of composition was a variation on the Baroque sonata, and was used primarily in sacred music. It was characterized by a more lyrical approach to composition, with a focus on melody and harmonic structure. Vivaldi was one of the first composers to make use of this form, and his works set the standard for future composers. His church sonatas were written in a wide variety of keys and styles, and their influence can be heard in the works of later composers, such as J.S. Bach and Handel.Vivaldi's influence on music history is far-reaching, and his contributions to the development of the sonata da chiesa are among his most important. His compositions are still widely performed and appreciated today, and his legacy continues to shape the music of the modern era.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550416 Composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Sacred. Score and part. 30 pages. Jmsgu3 #4632175. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550416). Sonata No. 2 by Antonio Vivaldi - a four-movement Sonata da Chiesa. Duration: ca. 12:00, Score: 12 pages.Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was an Italian composer and violinist in the Baroque period, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. He was a major influence on many other composers of the Baroque era, and his influence can still be felt in music today.Vivaldi's most important contribution to music history was his development of the sonata da chiesa, or church sonata. This form of composition was a variation on the Baroque sonata, and was used primarily in sacred music. It was characterized by a more lyrical approach to composition, with a focus on melody and harmonic structure. Vivaldi was one of the first composers to make use of this form, and his works set the standard for future composers. His church sonatas were written in a wide variety of keys and styles, and their influence can be heard in the works of later composers, such as J.S. Bach and Handel.Vivaldi's influence on music history is far-reaching, and his contributions to the development of the sonata da chiesa are among his most important. His compositions are still widely performed and appreciated today, and his legacy continues to shape the music of the modern era. 

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550394 Composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Sacred. Score and part. 33 pages. Jmsgu3 #4628261. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550394). Sonata da Chiesa in Bb for Viola & Piano by Antonio Vivaldi in Four movements. Duration: ca. 11:45. Score: 14 pages. 205 measures.Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was an Italian composer and violinist in the Baroque period, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. He was a major influence on many other composers of the Baroque era, and his influence can still be felt in music today.Vivaldi's most important contribution to music history was his development of the sonata da chiesa, or church sonata. This form of composition was a variation on the Baroque sonata, and was used primarily in sacred music. It was characterized by a more lyrical approach to composition, with a focus on melody and harmonic structure. Vivaldi was one of the first composers to make use of this form, and his works set the standard for future composers. His church sonatas were written in a wide variety of keys and styles, and their influence can be heard in the works of later composers, such as J.S. Bach and Handel.Vivaldi's influence on music history is far-reaching, and his contributions to the development of the sonata da chiesa are among his most important. His compositions are still widely performed and appreciated today, and his legacy continues to shape the music of the modern era.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550442 Composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Standards. Score and part. 21 pages. Jmsgu3 #4634577. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550442). Sonata da Chiesa No. 3 in A Minor for Viola & Piano by Antonio Vivaldi in Four movements. Duration: ca. 15:38. Score: 15 pages. 206 measures.Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer and violinist in the Baroque period, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. He was a major influence on many other composers of the Baroque era, and his influence can still be felt in music today.Vivaldi's most important contribution to music history was his development of the sonata da chiesa, or church sonata. This form of composition was a variation on the Baroque sonata, and was used primarily in sacred music. It was characterized by a more lyrical approach to composition, with a focus on melody and harmonic structure. Vivaldi was one of the first composers to make use of this form, and his works set the standard for future composers. His church sonatas were written in a wide variety of keys and styles, and their influence can be heard in the works of later composers, such as J.S. Bach and Handel.Vivaldi's influence on music history is far-reaching, and his contributions to the development of the sonata da chiesa are among his most important. His compositions are still widely performed and appreciated today, and his legacy continues to shape the music of the modern era.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550468 Composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Standards. Score and part. 21 pages. Jmsgu3 #4640579. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550468). Sonata da Chiesa No. 4 in Bb Major for Viola & Piano by Antonio Vivaldi in Four movements. Duration: ca. 14:41. Score: 15 pages.Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer and violinist in the Baroque period, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. He was a major influence on many other composers of the Baroque era, and his influence can still be felt in music today.Vivaldi's most important contribution to music history was his development of the sonata da chiesa, or church sonata. This form of composition was a variation on the Baroque sonata, and was used primarily in sacred music. It was characterized by a more lyrical approach to composition, with a focus on melody and harmonic structure. Vivaldi was one of the first composers to make use of this form, and his works set the standard for future composers. His church sonatas were written in a wide variety of keys and styles, and their influence can be heard in the works of later composers, such as J.S. Bach and Handel.Vivaldi's influence on music history is far-reaching, and his contributions to the development of the sonata da chiesa are among his most important. His compositions are still widely performed and appreciated today, and his legacy continues to shape the music of the modern era.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.550493 Composed by Antonio Vivaldi. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque,Christmas,Easter,Standards. Score and part. 21 pages. Jmsgu3 #4715609. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.550493). Sonata da Chiesa No. 5 in E Minor for Viola & Piano by Antonio Vivaldi in Four movements. Duration: ca. 12:16. Score: 15 pages.Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer and violinist in the Baroque period, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest composers of all time. He was a major influence on many other composers of the Baroque era, and his influence can still be felt in music today.Vivaldi's most important contribution to music history was his development of the sonata da chiesa, or church sonata. This form of composition was a variation on the Baroque sonata, and was used primarily in sacred music. It was characterized by a more lyrical approach to composition, with a focus on melody and harmonic structure. Vivaldi was one of the first composers to make use of this form, and his works set the standard for future composers. His church sonatas were written in a wide variety of keys and styles, and their influence can be heard in the works of later composers, such as J.S. Bach and Handel.Vivaldi's influence on music history is far-reaching, and his contributions to the development of the sonata da chiesa are among his most important. His compositions are still widely performed and appreciated today, and his legacy continues to shape the music of the modern era.

Piano,Viola - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549724 Composed by Gabriel Faure. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Contemporary,Multicultural,Romantic Period,Standards,World. Score and part. 22 pages. Jmsgu3 #3531351. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549724). Duration: ca. 7:00, Score: 12 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano: 7 pages. An epic choice for a recital or funeral. Fauré Background: In the first place, Gabriel Fauré 1845 –1924) was a famous French composer, musician, and educator. Furthermore, his musical ideas influenced numerous 20th-century composers. Therefore, historians regard him as one of the leading French composers of his time. Famous Works: Among his most famous compositions, by and large, are the Pavane, Elegie (op. 24), Requiem, Sicilienne, Nocturnes for piano and the songs Après un rêve and Clair de lune. Inasmuch as his early works are well-known and relatively easy to perform, Faure’s music seems to have become gradually more difficult during his later life. In other words, his later works are somewhat esoteric and complex. Early Home Life: Fauré was in fact born into a well-cultivated family. His aptitude for music became particularly clear early on - when he was still a boy. Under these circumstances, his parents sent him to a music institution in Paris. Consequently, the training he received there prepared him for a career as a church organist and choirmaster. Middle Life: It is important to realize that Fauré studied music composition with the French musical mastermind Camille Saint-Saëns, who became his lifelong friend. Fauré eventually graduated from college and earned a living as an organist and educator. During this period, he had, on the whole, little time to compose. He consequently became more successful in his middle age, becoming organist of the Église de la Madeleine and director of the Paris Conservatoire. However, he still needed time on balance for composing. Therefore, given these points, he withdrew to the countryside during the summer to focus on composing. Later Life: Fauré was, in the final analysis, recognized in France as the foremost French composer of his time. The French government held a national musical tribute particularly for him in Paris. The French President notably headed the ceremony. Elsewhere, on the contrary, Fauré's music was slow to become accepted, except of course, in England. Legacy: Historians often describe Fauré's music in general as a transition between the end of Romanticism and the beginning of modernism. As an illustration, when Fauré was born, Chopin was still composing. However, by the time of Fauré's death, jazz and atonal music, in particular, had come to fruition. Fauré, by all means, suffered from increasing deafness in his later years. Some musicologists believe this to be indeed the cause of the esoteric nature of Faure’s final works.

Piano,Viola - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548704 Composed by Franz Schubert. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Christmas,Easter,Standards. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3411159. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548704). A Viola Christmas/Easter classic! Duration: 4:55 Score: 3 pg. Viola part: 1 pg. Piano reads from the score. Schubert seems to have composed this piece as a song-setting. This is because he wanted to portray a poignant emotional event from a poem. The poem was Walter Scott's The Lady of the Lake. Consequently, this song became an integral part of Schubert's Song cycle. Therefore the cycle is called: the Lady of the Lake. In the poem, Ellen Douglas is the Lady of the Lake. The lake is probably Loch Katrine in the Scottish Highlands. First of all, Ellen goes with her father to stay in the Goblin's cave. They go because he earlier refused to join in a rebellion against King James. Roderick Dhu, the chief of the rebellious Alpine Clan, marches up the mountain with his army. But before the battle, he, first of all, hears Ellen singing. She is singing a prayer calling for help from the Virgin Mary. Schubert's piece was first performed at the castle of Countess Sophie Weissenwolff in Steyregg, Austria.  Schubert dedicated the arrangement to her, and as a result, she became famous as the lady of the lake.The incipit of Ellen's song is Ave Maria which is Latin for Hail Mary. It seems like this similarity led Schubert to adapt the melody to accommodate the Roman Catholic prayer Ave Maria. Consequently, the Latin version of Ave Maria finally became more famous than the original so that consequently many believe he wrote the Latin version first. Schubert Franz Schubert (1797–1828) was, in fact, a famous Austrian composer. Moreover, he composed during the late Classical and early Romantic periods. Schubert was comparatively prolific. He wrote more than 600 secular vocal works, seven symphonies, and, correspondingly, a massive amount of piano and chamber music. Critics agree, as a matter of fact, that his most famous works include his Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667 (also known as the Trout Quintet), the Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 (Unfinished Symphony), the last sonatas for piano (D. 958–960), and the song cycles Die schöne Müllerin (D. 795) and Winterreise (D. 911). Education Schubert was furthermore a musical child prodigy. He studied violin with his father as well as piano with his older brother. In addition, when Schubert was eleven he studied at Stadtkonvikt school, where he became familiar with the orchestral music of Haydn, Mozart, and likewise Beethoven. In due time he left school and returned home where he studied to become an educator; nevertheless, he continued studying composition with Antonio Salieri. Performance Eventually, Schubert was admitted to the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde as a performer. This appointment straightaway established his name in Vienna as a composer and pianist. Finally, he gave his only composition recital in 1828. He died suddenly a few months later probably due to typhoid fever. Legacy Schubert’s music was by and large underappreciated while he was alive. There were all in all only a few enthusiasts in Vienna. After he died, however, interest in his work in fact increased. Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms and other famous composers in due time discovered his compositions. Nowadays, historians rank Schubert expressly among the greatest composers of the era, and his music remains in general very popular.  

Piano,Viola - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1492043 Composed by Amy Marcy Beach. Arranged by Steven Nunes. Classical,Romantic Period. Score and part. 16 pages. Nagamon Publications #1068717. Published by Nagamon Publications (A0.1492043). Amy Marcy Cheney Beach (September 5, 1867 – December 27, 1944) was an American composer and pianist. She was the first successful American female composer of large-scale art music. She was one of the first American composers to succeed without the benefit of European training, and one of the most respected and acclaimed American composers of her era. As a pianist, she was acclaimed for concerts she gave featuring her own music in the United States and in Germany.This tuneful piece is perfect for any recital situation.  The PDF contains the piano score and part.

Piano,Viola - Level 1 - Digital Download SKU: A0.548726 Composed by Martin Luther. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Easter,Instructional,Standards. Score and part. 4 pages. Jmsgu3 #3411767. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.548726). Out of the Depths I Cry to You by Martin Luther. The first verses feature modified counterpoint and harmony proceeding at quarter = 82. The final verse is reharmonized for maximum dramatic effect at a more contemplative tempo such as quarter = 64. Very powerful selection for Lent or Easter. Duration (3 verses) 3:05, 36 ms. Score: 3 pg. Solo part: 1 pg. The piano reads from the score. Out of the Depths Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir (From deep affliction I cry out to you), is, of course, a hymn composed by Martin Luther. Moreover, Luther also wrote the lyrics which are essentially a paraphrase of Psalm 130. First published in 1524, it is also one of eight songs in the original Lutheran hymnal. It appears likewise in many hymnals and in different translations. The lyrics furthermore stimulated compositions from the Renaissance to the contemporary. Consequently, composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach built an entire chorale cantata on it. Other composers similarly contributed compositions, such as Felix Mendelssohn and Max Reger. Luther Background Martin Luther, (1483 –1546) was a German professor of theology, composer, priest, and moreover, an influential character in the Protestant Reformation. Luther had a momentous impact on church and society due to his contributions to the musical arts. He wanted to disseminate the gospel among mankind and with this intention thought that the best way to do that was through music. Influence It is important to realize that other musicians, and their descendants, were encouraged by Luther’s songs and wrote their own hymns. Luther, to be sure, had a thorough musical education. For example, he knew secular and sacred songs from an early age. He, in particular, played the lute well and sang in the monastery when he was a monk. That is to say, music was an essential part of his life. He in fact first began writing songs in 1523, sometimes writing the melody as well as the lyrics. Luther was certainly able to evaluate the composers of his time. He thought especially highly of Josquin des and Ludwig Senfl. He was also acquainted, with this in mind, with other composers and their works. Legacy The Lutheran musical ethos soon covered all of Germany and later significantly fashioned Protestant musical culture. Heinrich Schütz and Johann Sebastian Bach are the most compelling evidence of this Protestant musical culture. Additionally, as a point often overlooked, the pedal organ, first refined in northern Germany, became universally prevalent. As a matter of fact, Dieterich Buxtehude established a regular evening organ concert series in Lübeck. Another key point is that this concert series, in turn, spread North German Musical ideas worldwide. Luther was especially convinced that music is a beautiful and exclusive offering of the divine.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549592 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Instructional,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 16 pages. Jmsgu3 #3512769. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549592). Duration: 2:30, score: 8 pages, solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 5 pages. A well-known favorite masterpiece suitable for a recital or school program. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Swan Lake Op. 20 Tchaikovsky composed Swan Lake in 1875-76. To begin with, most noteworthy the ballet failed to attract a positive reception. Over time, however, the ballet became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet was certainly first performed by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow.

Piano,Viola - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.549767 Composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Children,Christmas,Romantic Period,Standards. Score and part. 11 pages. Jmsgu3 #3534709. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.549767). Duration: ca 1:00 Score: 5 pages, Solo part: 2 pages, piano part: 3 pages. Short but fascinating Chinese Dance from the Nutcracker Suite. Program this for a recital encore or Christmas pageant. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Tchaikovsky is probably the most popular of the great composers in America. His music certainly appeals to musicians. Likewise, it appeals even to folks who don’t normally listen to serious music. This is probably because of his most noteworthy melodies. Above all, he writes with great emotion. This certainly makes a most noteworthy if not an unforgettable impact. Education First of all, He attended classes at the Russian Musical Society. Even more, He also attended the St. Petersburg Conservatory. There he studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba. He also consequently studied composition with Anton Rubenstein. It seems like Rubenstein came under criticism from a group of Russian composers known as the Five. The Five The Five certainly rejected Western musical influences. They rather sought to use elements from Russian music. They furthermore wanted to use more exotic musical materials. Western Techniques More than other Russian composers, Tchaikovsky studied modern Western music. He certainly develops his music like the European masters. So, rather than repeating a motive, he moves to a new key. He then introduces a different theme in the new key. Hence, he maintained his independence from the Five. Even more, he became the first Russian composer of international stature. Influences Tchaikovsky was probably influenced in his ballet scoring by Léo Delibes. Richard Wagner influenced his symphonic writing. Tchaikovsky’s most famous works include the 1812 Overture, The Nutcracker Suite, and Swan Lake. Also famous are the Violin Concerto in D and the six symphonies. The greatest of the six symphonies may be No. 6, the Pathétique. Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a The Nutcracker Suite is a ballet that was performed for the first time in December 1892 in St. Petersburg. To begin with, the original ballet failed to attract a positive reception. However, the ballet suite became probably one of the most popular of all of Tchaikovsky’s works. The ballet suite became even more famous in the 1960s. It is now performed all over the world, particularly during the Christmas season.