Serenade for Strings facts for kids

Tchaikovsky in 1893

The Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48 is a famous piece of music. It was written by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. He created it for a group of string instruments, like violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. The Serenade was first performed in 1880.

The Music: Four Parts

This Serenade has four main sections, which are called movements. Each movement has its own special feel and speed:

• Pezzo in forma di sonatina: This means "a small piece in the form of a sonata." It starts slowly (Andante non troppo) and then becomes faster (Allegro moderato).
• Valse: This is a waltz, a graceful dance in triple time. It has a moderate speed (Moderato) and a waltz tempo (Tempo di valse).
• Élégie: This movement is like an elegy, a sad or thoughtful piece. It is played slowly and expressively (Larghetto elegiaco).
• Finale (Tema russo): This is the exciting end of the piece. It starts slowly (Andante) and then becomes fast and lively (Allegro con spirito), using a Russian theme.

Tchaikovsky's Inspiration

Tchaikovsky greatly admired the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He wanted the first movement of his Serenade to sound a bit like Mozart's music. This part begins with a slow, strong introduction. It uses special playing techniques, like "double-stopping," where musicians play two notes at the same time. This slow introduction comes back at the end of the first movement. It also appears again, changed, in the very last part of the fourth movement.

For a Big String Group

Tchaikovsky hoped his Serenade would be played by a very large group of string instruments. He even wrote in the music, "The larger the string orchestra, the better will the composer's desires be fulfilled." This shows he wanted a rich, full sound for his beautiful piece.

Serenade in Ballet and Movies

This Serenade has been used in other art forms too. In 1934, the famous choreographer George Balanchine used Tchaikovsky's music for his ballet called Serenade. Parts of the music were also used in the 2005 ballet Anna Karenina, choreographed by Boris Eifman. The waltz movement was even arranged for a singer and a full orchestra for the 1945 MGM movie Anchors Aweigh. In the movie, Kathryn Grayson sang it while José Iturbi conducted the orchestra.

See also

In Spanish: Serenata para cuerdas para niños