Tchaikovsky's 'Valse-Scherzo' Premiered On This Day in 1878

The Valse-Scherzo is a much loved favorite in today's competition and concert repertoire

Tchaikovsky's violin showpiece, Valse-Scherzo Op. 34 premiered on this day in 1878 – 140 years ago.

Polish violinist Stanisław Barcewicz gave the premiere in Paris with the Russian Symphony conducted by Nikolai Rubinstein — in conjunction with the 1878 Paris World Exposition.

Tchaikovsky composed the work in 1877 for the violinist Josef Kotek, a close friend and student.The work is Tchaikovsky's second work for violin and orchestra. It seems that at least part of the orchestration was done by Kotek, after Tchaikovsky completed the version for violin with piano.

The Valse-Scherzo is a much loved favorite in today's competition and concert repertoire. A popular work on CD's for its sparkle and witty playfulness, it has been recorded by violinists such as David Oistrakh, Leonid Kogan, Itzhak Perlman, Nathan Milstein, Midori, Gil Shaham, Boris Belkin, Ulf Hoelscher, Vadim Repin, Sarah Chang, Chloë Hanslip, James Ehnes, Leila Josefowicz and Julia Fischer.

VICTOR TRETYAKOV | VALSE-SCHERZO | TCHAIKOVSKY COMPETITION | 1966