Tschaikovsky Piano Opusculum Op. 21 Teaching And Performance Analysis

Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky is one of the greatest composers in the late Romanticperiod, representing the peak of Russian Nationalism in the19th century. Hecomposed many works that have far-reaching impact on generations after his time.There are twelve piano pieces written on smaller scales, short and pithy, with Russianfeatures, as well as they have quickly become the favorites among performers andconcerts audiences. From pedagogical point of view, these piano pieces provide a rarelearning opportunity for advanced piano students and their teachers to experience anew level of Russian National spirit. This article is about the piano pieces calledOP.21, the writer hope that it can help for our performance and teaching through thestudy of the work’s background, structure and composing style.This thesis is divided into three chapters. The first chapter is an overview ofTchaikovsky’s piano music, summarizing his piano works; second chapter analyzesthe musical form, harmonic language, composition structure and composing stylerelated music topics concerning OP.21; and the third chapter is devoted to issuesfocusing on performing skills and artistic choices that pianists must face. The authorwishes to share technical solutions, give personal performance suggestion, andprovide useful information to fellow pianist who may be similarly interested inperforming and teaching the work of OP.21.