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Children's Album

Детский альбом

24 simple pieces à la Schumann, Op. 39 (1878) [1]

No. 1. Morning Prayer (Утренная молитва)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 150.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: G major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Andante (G major, 24 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute.
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 2. Winter Morning (Зимнее утро)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 151.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: B minor.
Tempo/Section Listing: Allegro (B minor, 64 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute.
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 3. Playing Hobby-Horses (Игра в лошадки)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 152.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: D major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Presto (D major, 72 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute.
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 4. Mama (Мама)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 153 (as "Mummy").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: G major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato (G major, 36 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute.
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 5. March of the Wooden Soldiers (Марш деревянных солдатиков)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 154.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: D major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato (D major, 48 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute.
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 6. The Sick Doll (Болезнь куклы)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 155 (as "The Doll's Illness").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: G minor.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato (G minor, 42 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 3 minutes
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 7. The Doll's Funeral (Похороны куклы)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 156.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: C minor.
Tempo/Section Listing: Adagio (C minor, 48 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 2 minutes
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 8. Waltz (Вальс)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 157 (as "Waltz").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: E♭ major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Allegro assai (E♭ major, 85 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 9. The New Doll (Новая кукла)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 158 (as "The New Doll").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: B♭ major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Allegro (B♭ major, 57 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 10. Mazurka (Мазурка)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 159.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: D minor.
Tempo/Section Listing: Allegro non troppo, Tempo di mazurka (D minor, 52 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 11. Russian Song (Русская песня)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 160.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: F major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Allegro (F major, 30 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 12. The Accordion Player (Мужик на гармонике играет)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 161 (as "The Russian Peasant Plays the Harmonica").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: B♭ major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Adagio (B♭ major, 22 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 13. Kamarinskaia (Камаринская)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 162 (as "Kamarinskaya").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: D major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Vivace (D major, 49 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 14. Polka (Полька)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 163.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: B♭ major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato. Tempo di Polka (B♭ major, 30 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 15. Italian Song (Итальянская песенка)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 164.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: D major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato assai (D major, 49 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 16. Old French Song (Старинная французская песенка)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 165.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: G minor.
Tempo/Section Listing: Molto moderato (G minor, 32 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 17. German Song (Немецкая песенка)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 166.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: E♭ major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Molto moderato (E♭ major, 26 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 18. Neapolitan Song (Неаполитанская песенка)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 167.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: E♭ major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Andante (E♭ major, 54 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
Notes: Based on the Danse napolitaine from Act III of the ballet Swan Lake.
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 19. Nanny's Story (Нянина сказка)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 168 (as "Nurse's Tale").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: C major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato (C major, 48 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 20. The Sorcerer (Баба-Яга)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 169 (as "Old Witch").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: E minor.
Tempo/Section Listing: Presto (E minor, 45 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 21. Sweet Dreams (Сладкая греза)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 170 (as "Sweet Dream").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: C major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato (C major, 48 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 2 minutes
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 22. Lark Song (Песня жаворонка)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 171 (as "Lark's Song").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: G major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato (G major, 32 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 23. The Organ-Grinder Sings (Шарманщик поет)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 172.
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: G major.
Tempo/Section Listing: Andante (G major, 32 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 1 minute
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).
No. 24. In Church (В церкви)
Catalogue References: TH 141 ; ČW 173 (as "In the Church").
Date: May–July 1878.
Key: E minor.
Tempo/Section Listing: Moderato (E minor, 52 bars).
Instrumentation: Piano (solo).
Autograph Location: Moscow: Glinka State Central Museum of Musical Culture.
First Publication: Moscow: P. Jurgenson, 1878.
Average Duration: 3 minutes
Dedication: Vladimir Davydov (1871–1906).
External Links: Internet Music Score Library Project (downloadable score).

History

In a letter of 30 April/12 May 1878 to Nadezhda von Meck, the composer wrote: "A while ago I thought that it would not be a bad idea to make a small contribution to the stock: of children's musical literature, which is very modest. I want to create a series of little individual pieces just for children, and with an attractive title, like Schumann’s" [2].

Some months before this letter was written, while staying in Florence on 14/26 February, Tchaikovsky told Petr Jurgenson that he wanted "to write a number of easy pieces, like [Schumann’s] Kinderstück" [3]. Evidently, the idea of creating for a collection of pieces for young people had not been abandoned by the composer, and after his return to Kamenka in April he decided to begin composition. In the aforementioned letter to Nadezhda von Meck, he informed her: "Tomorrow I shall start work on my collection of miniatures for children".

On 1/13 May the composer wrote to Anatolii Tchaikovsky: "I’m working well and have done rather a lot" [4]. On 4/16 May the sketches for all 24 pieces were ready [5]. Shortly afterwards, Tchaikovsky accepted an invitation from Nadezhda von Meck to stay at her Brailov estate until the end of May/beginning of June, before spending a few days in Moscow; from there he went to spend five days with his friend Nikolai Kondrat'ev at Nizy, and in mid/late June he called at Kiev, before returning to Verbovka. In the days following his arrival, he began to put the finishing touches to all the pieces written in April and May. The fair copy of the Children's Album was begun, it seems, on 13/25 July [6].

By 20 July/1 August the copying out was completed, and on 21 July/2 August the composer told Nadezhda von Meck that he was working on the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom [7].

On 29 July/10 August the manuscript of the Children’s Album, along with a number of other compositions, was sent to Petr Jurgenson in Moscow [8]. In October, after the proofs had been corrected, the album was published [9].

The Children’s Album is dedicated to Tchaikovsky's favourite nephew, Vladimir Davydov [10]. On 12/24 December 1878, Tchaikovsky wrote to Lev Davydov: "Tell Bobik that the music has been printed with pictures, that the music was composed by Uncle Petia, and that on the it is written Dedicated to Volodia Davydov. The silly little fellow will not understand what dedicated means... Even so, Bobik is an inimitably delightful figure when he’s playing, and he might look at the notes, and think that a whole symphony is dedicated to him" [11].

Several pieces from the cycle make use of authentic folk tunes. The Russian Song (No. 11) is based on the theme of the folk song "Голова ль ты моя головушка". In Kamarinskaia (No. 12) the composer makes use of a Russian folk theme. Italian folk melodies appear in the Neapolitan Song (No. 18)—which also occurs in the ballet Swan Lake—and in the Italian Song (No. 15) [12]. Yet another Italian tune forms the basis for the piece The Organ Grinder Sings (No. 23) [13]; this same tune is used in the middle section of the piece Reverie interrompue—No. 12 of the Twelve Pieces (Op. 40) [14]. The theme of the Old French Song (No. 16) was used again in the opera The Maid of Orleans the minstrels' song from Act II.

From: Музыкальное наследие Чайковского (1958), pp. 409–411
English text copyright © 2006 Brett Langston

References:
  1. The sequence of numbers differs in Tchaikovsky's autograph score [back]
  2. Letter 820 to Nadezhda von Meck, 30 April/12 May 1878 [back]
  3. Letter 761 to Petr Jurgenson, 14/26 February 1878. At this time he began to write the Twelve Pieces (Op. 40) [back]
  4. Letter 822 to Anatolii Tchaikovsky, 1/13 May 1878 [back]
  5. See letter 823 to Nadezhda von Meck, 4/16 May 1878 [back]
  6. See letter 871 to Nadezhda von Meck, 13/25 July 1878 [back]
  7. See letter 876 to Nadezhda von Meck, 21 July/2 August 1878 [back]
  8. See letter 883 to Petr Jurgenson, 29 July/10 August 1878 [back]
  9. See letter from Petr Jurgenson to Tchaikovsky, 16/28 November 1878 — Klin House-Museum Archive [back]
  10. See letter 977 to Nadezhda von Meck, 24 November/6 December 1878 [back]
  11. Letter 757 to Lev Davydov, 12/24 February 1878 [back]
  12. See letter 692 to Nadezhda von Meck, 16/28 December 1877, and letter 759 to Anatolii Tchaikovsky, 13/25–14/26 February 1878 [back]
  13. See sketch in letter 692 to Nadezhda von Meck, 16/28 December 1877 [back]
  14. Modest Tchaikovsky, Жизнь Петра Ильича Чайковского, том 2 (1901), p. 205 [back]

This page was last updated on 05 November 2009