Tchaikovsky:Souvenir D'un Lieu Cher,Op.42 Historical Research And Music Analysis

This article will focus on Tchaikovsky's Souvenir d'un lieu cher for piano and violin,Op.42.It was composed in 1878.This composition consists three pieces —“Méditation”,“Scherzo” and “Mélodie”.The writer will discuss its historical background and analyze the musical aspects of the composition.In 1878,Tchaikovsky also finished another work,the famed D Major Violin Concerto,Op.35.According to many secondary resources,the writer found the Op.42 and the Op.35 have many connections.There is lots of research being done on the Op.35,but there is limited information available on the Op.42.In the first part of the article,the writer will discuss the background of the Op.42,such as the two historical personalities,Iosif Kotek and Leopold Auer.In the second part,the writer will analyze the work from two aspects—the rhythmic gesture and its harmony.According to Tchaikovsky,the rhythmic gesture is one of the tools for his musical expression.The rhythmic impose not only creates the impetus to the music,but it also can infuse the atmosphere.In addition,his masterful usage of harmony,such as the chromatic moderations and augmented sixth chords,has enhanced his musical ideas and characters.In conclusion,the historical background and the analysis of the work both offer ways to readers to learn about the composition and the composer.