Kirjahaku

Despite his overall misgivings about composing music for exhibitions, Tchaikovsky composed what was to become one of his most popular works between September and November of 1880. The commission was for an Arts and Industry Exhibition to be given in the summer of 1881 to commemorate the Russian victory over the Napoleonic forces in 1812. Because of the murder of Tsar Alexander II in 1881, the exhibition was delayed to the next year and the premiere took place on August 20, 1882 with the orchestra and band conductor by Ippolit Altani. Despite the composer's expressions of disappointment with the work, numerous performances took place starting withing a year of its publication.For this edition Tchaikovsky's manuscript was used as the principal source to correct the changes that have been inserted over the decades in the different publications. The manuscript itself contains errors including many missing accidentals. Where there are sixteenth notes with accidentals much of it is hard to read. Most of the missing accidentals have been supplied by those found doubled in other instruments and were fixed without comment. The brass band parts follow the composer's manuscript and first edition rather than the odd additions which seem to have been inserted into the Schmeling edition issued by Breitkopf und Hartel early in the last century. IMSLP page Tchaikovsky Research

The Slavonic March, more commonly known as March Slave is an orchestral tone poem based on Serbo-Russian themes written by Tchaikovsky for a benefit concert given on November 18, 1876 for assisting victims of the conflict between Serbia and Turkey. It soon has become one of his most beloved works and an wordwide audience favorite. This newly engraved edition by Richard W. Sargeant, Jr. is based on the composer's manuscript correcting numerous errors found in several editions, notably the problematic one issued as part of the 'Complete Works' in the USSR, where the original anthem God Save the Tsar was deliberately replaced with a Glinka melody for political reasons. Tchaikovsky's eduring masterwork is presented here exactly as the composer intended. IMSLP page Tchaikovsky research

Written in September and October of 1880 Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings was completed quickly. While away visiting his sister in Kamenka and he "immediately began to feel cheerful, well and relaxed." This work is perfectly reflctive of warmth and happiness the composer experienced on his Autumn holiday. Though originally intended to be a suite, Tchaikovsky ultimately created a symphony for strings. Because of its sunniness this work soon become a concert favorite among string players and with audiences worldwide. This newly engraved edition by Richard W. Sargeant, Jr. uses the composer's manuscript and the first edition as its primary sources, correcting the many errors and editorial additions that have been added over the years. A beautiful score showcasing one of Tchaikovsky happiest times as the composer intended it. IMSLP page Tchaikovsky Research