Tchaikovsky’s Piano Suite Four Seasons Performance Analysis

The piano suite Four Seasons is a representative work by Tchaikovsky with high artistic value and it is also a representation of theprograromatic music. This theorymakes a general analysis of Four Seasons by comparing the different versions of this suite performed by four pianists (Yin Chengzong, MikhailPletnev, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Lydia Artie Bartholomew) with different nationalities, ages, genders. In addition to these variances, Tchaikovsky’s personality traits as well as the national characteristics of Russia are also taken into consideration in the analysis.Art of piano performance, also regarded as the "recreation" of a work, is a large platform where a huge number of artistic individualities of diverse times coexist. On this platform, no single invariable evaluating criteria are set, which is a reason why it is difficult to evaluate piano performance art and why this type of art boasts such great charm. Artistic personalities are intrinsic qualities of performers and while a performer is playing music, these personalities are externalized into his or her unique way to handle art works. Therefore, when we intend to examine different artistic personalities, various handlings of the same work by different musicians have to be compared. It is not difficult to perceive the differences in various pianists’ performances, but to describe them exactly. Many variances are beyond description by language and can only be experienced in mental process. Even if the spectrum was mapped with the most advanced instruments, it is impossible to disclose each subtlety from timbre to emotion in a performance of work. However, this thesis will try to make analysis based on expressible and reliable materials and facts. Through these analysis and comparisons, this thesis attempts to broaden readers’ horizons, expand their ideas, deepen their understandings of Tchaikovsky and Four Seasonsand ultimately form their individual performing styles.