Orchestral Suite No. 3 (Tchaikovsky) - Form

Form

The suite is divided into four movements, the fourth a theme and variations longer than the other three movements combined:

I) Élégie (Andantino molto cantabile, G major)

Wiley calls this movement "resolutely melodic." A change from B to B–flat "produces tension in the misalignment of theme and key," he comments. The first theme group returns in the key of the second, then to a bridge. He then returns to the home key and reprises the second theme group in the key of the first and follows it with a lengthy epilogue.

II) Valse mélancolique (Allegro moderato, E minor)

Wiley contends that while Tchaikovsky referred to this movement as the "obligatory waltz number," it is not typical of his work in this vein. The somber character of the opening theme is exceptional and the syncopated second subject much like that in the scherzo. Wiley adds, "The unusual periodicity in long, uneven spans is acharacteristic, as is the formal pattern, a tripratite reprise that also mimics the scherzo. The unwaltz–like result, sustained for 100 bars, is enigmatic. Abbreviating the reprise makes the Trio even more striking."

III) Scherzo (Presto, E minor)

The opening theme of this movement, Wiley writes, is similar to its counterpart in the Second Suite. The constant shift of timbral combinations and the tempo make this music, alternating between 6/8 and 2/4, a challenge for the orchestra. Tchaikovsky "plays with emphasis throughout," Wiley adds, "sometimes enriching the tonic triad with the addition of the sixth, creating a chord with the pitches of both chords simultaneously, and so creates a merging of G major and E minor." The orchestration of the Trio section, a march, includes snare drum and triangle.

IV) Tema con variazioni (Andante con moto, G major)

1. Andante con moto, 2/4
2. Andante con moto, 2/4
3. Andante con moto, 2/4
4. Pochissimo meno animato, B minor
5. Allegro vivo, 3/4, G major
6. Allegro vivace, 6/8, G major
7. L'istesso tempo, 2/4, G major
8. Adagio, 3/4, A minor (closing in E major)
9. Allegro molto vivace, 2/4, A major
10. Allegro vivo e un poco rubato, 3/8, B minor
11. Moderato mosso, 4/4, B major
12. Finale. Polacca—Moderato maestoso e brillante, 3/4, G major

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