Music to the Hymn To Joy by F. Schiller, for solo voices, mixed choir and orchestra (ČW 62)

Tchaikovsky’s earliest major work, the cantata To Joy, shows his ability to handle musical form, instrumental and vocal colours. Moreover, it abounds in beautiful, deeply personal (though in some places ‘Schumann-like’), and touching music. This is a real Tchaikovsky, though still in his, so to speak, spring blooming.

To produce this work is not an easy task, since it poses a number of various problems for musicians. Be that as it may, it certainly must be revived, and now this can be done due to the publication of the meticulously prepared full score in the unique edition of Tchaikovsky’s Complete Works. Indeed, this is a great Joy for all of us, the admirers of the genius composer’s art.

Aleksandr Rudin