Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17 ‘Little Russian’ (2nd version – 1880)

One of Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky’s (1840-1893) more joyful compositions, this Symphony No. 2 was highly regarded and successful from its premiere, which took place on February 7, 1873. Despite this initial success, the composer remained unsatisfied, substantially rewriting the opening movement and the finale. This second version from 1880, here offered, is the one more commonly performed today. Subtitled “Little Russian,” it was so called because it incorporated three Ukrainian folks songs at a time when Ukraine was frequently called “Little Russia.” Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 4.2.3.1: Timp.Perc(2): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set). Reprint edition.