Tchaikovsky: Album for the Young, Op. 39, 12 Pieces for Piano of Medium Difficulty, Op. 40

Featuring

Yuan Sheng
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Did you know?

1/7

Composer's Artistic Vision

Tchaikovsky intended to compose pedagogical pieces for children that were both instructive and artistic, and he worked quickly on the Children's Album, Op. 39.

Compositional Technique

The Children's Album, Op. 39, contains character pieces that use imaginative titles and settings, referencing familiar places, sounds, narrative elements, and international musical styles.

Composition History

Tchaikovsky composed the 12 Pieces for Piano, Op. 40, between February and April 1878, immediately before starting work on his Children's Album, Op. 39.

Performer Biography

Yuan Sheng, the pianist on this album, has performed in major venues like Carnegie Hall and Cadogan Hall, and has been recognized for his performances and research on Bach's music.

Composer Biography

While composing the 12 Pieces, Op. 40, Tchaikovsky was also working on his Violin Concerto, Op. 35, and his Grand Sonata in G Major, Op. 37, for piano.