Romeo and Juliet (Tchaikovsky)

Romeo and Juliet is a fantasy overture by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is based on the eponymous play by dramatist William Shakespeare. The piece is considered Tchaikovsky's first masterpiece and contributes to the composer uncommon no opus number.

Formation

Tchaikovsky composer Mily Balakirev learned colleague in 1867 the French composer Hector Berlioz know who had written his work in 1839 Roméo et Juliette. So it was that Tchaikovsky Balakirev suggested a musical interpretation of the theme and even sent him ideas for the opening bars. Balakirev was from Tchaikovsky's result is not very enthusiastic and brought these to make some changes.

In March 1870 Nikolai Rubinstein conducted the world premiere of Romeo and Juliet in Moscow. The concert was disrupted by supporters of Rubinstein, who had recently lost a court case.

Tchaikovsky 's work underwent two revisions, one in the summer of 1870, the other in 1880.

Effect

Originally Tchaikovsky was first performed in 1877, modern orchestral fantasia Francesca da Rimini popular than Romeo and Juliet.

Discography

• Philharmonia Orchestra, Riccardo Muti, EMI