Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33, TH 57 & Works for Cello & Orchestra

Featuring

Gabriel Schwabe
Christopher Ward
Sinfonieorchester Aachen
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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Recording & Production

This album features the world premiere recording of the second version of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.

Composition History

Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, the cellist to whom Tchaikovsky dedicated the Rococo Variations, reordered the variations without consulting the composer, infuriating Tchaikovsky.

Instruments

Gabriel Schwabe, the cellist, plays a cello made by Giuseppe Guarneri in Cremona in 1695.

Composition History

Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme were dedicated to German cellist Wilhelm Fitzenhagen, who premiered the work in Moscow in 1877.

Interpretation

This album restores Tchaikovsky's original intentions for the Rococo Variations and Pezzo capriccioso, which were altered by their dedicatees.

Performer Biography

Gabriel Schwabe, the cellist on this recording, is a laureate of three prestigious cello competitions: the Grand Prix Emanuel Feuermann, Concours Rostropovich, and Pierre Fournier Award.

Composition History

Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture was initially inspired by his mentor, composer Mily Balakirev, and later by discussions with his younger brother Modest.