Tchaikovsky's

Abstract

Little has been written about Tchaikovsky's Third Symphony, and it is rarely performed. Many of the compositional techniques used in this symphony were also used in Tchaikovsky's later symphonies; in some regards, however, the Third Symphony is atypical (if not unique) in relation to his other symphonies: It contains five movements, its tonic key is major, and it is not programmatic. This thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of the symphony as it unfolds, and this is illustrated with musical examples and analytical figures. An analysis chart of each movement (detailing form and key) is given. Each movement is summarized in terms of sonorities, tonalities, and methods of modulation, thereby providing some insights into the consistency/variety of Tchaikovsky's compositional language in this symphony. It is hoped that this analysis will help to generate interest in this important Tchaikovsky symphony that has, to date, attracted little attention.