Serenade for Strings in C — 1st movement

P. I. TchaikovskyOp. 48

Key

C

Time

C

Tempo

♩=100

AO focus

AO3

Form

Pezzo in forma di sonatina — Tchaikovsky's tribute to Mozart. Opens with a chorale-like fanfare in the full string ensemble; the same chorale returns to close the movement and the entire serenade.

Teaching points

• Mozartian opening — broad chordal writing, classical proportions. Tchaikovsky's stated debt
• Chorale frame — the opening returns to close. Discuss form vs sonatina expectations
• AO1: school string orchestra showpiece. Manageable parts; immediate dramatic impact