Tchaikovsky Research : Symphonic Studies (TH 169)

2 numbers from the Symphonischen Etuden (Op. 13) for piano by Robert Schumann, arranged for orchestra (1863/64).

Catalogue References	TH 169 ; ČW 339 (as "Études symphoniques en forme de variations")
Date	1863 or 1864 (student work)
Tempo/Section Listing	Adagio (A minor, 20 bars) Allegro brillante (D major, 190 bars)
Instrumentation	Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets (A), 2 Bassoons + 4 Horns (A, D), 2 Trumpets (D), Alto Trombone, Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone + Timpani + Violins I, Violins II, Violas, Cellos, Double Basses
Autograph Location	Klin: Tchaikovsky House-Museum Archive (a1, No. 134)
First Publication	Moscow: Muzyka, 1967
Average Duration	8 minutes
Notes	The Études symphoniques by Robert Schumann (1810–1856) were written in the period 1834–37, and revised in 1852 as Études en forme de variations. Tchaikovsky orchestrated Etudes XI (Con espressione, B major) and XII (Allegro brillante, D♭ major) from the original version (corresponding to the ninth variation and finale from the revised edition)
External Links	IMSLP/Petrucci Music Library (downloadable score)

History

Made during Tchaikovsky's student years at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. On the title page of the manuscript the composer wrote: "Adagio and Allegro brillante from Op. 13 by R. Schumann, arranged for large orchestra". On the reverse of another page is a programme for the overture The Storm. This programmatic sketch for the overture suggests that Schumann's variations were orchestrated in the spring of 1864. The manuscript contains many notes by Herman Laroche concerning the instrumentation.

Symphonic Studies

Симфонические этюды

History