Tchaikovsky: Capriccio, Op.8

Introduction

Tchaikovsky wrote his Capriccio in G-flat major, for solo piano, Op. 8 (TH 130 ; ČW 106), at the beginning of 1870 in Moscow.

Movements and Duration

There is one movement: Allegro giusto (G-flat major, 160 bars), lasting around 5 minutes in performance.

Composition

On 5/17 February 1870, Tchaikovsky wrote to his sister Aleksandra Davydova: "This winter I have been quite busy composing. Three days ago I sent two piano pieces to be printed, one of which is dedicated to you" . The Valse-Scherzo (Op. 7) was dedicated to his sister, and the other piece was the Capriccio.

Publication

In April 1870 the Capriccio was published by Pyotr Jurgenson in April 1870. It was included in volume 51Б of Tchaikovsky's Complete Collected Works (1946), edited by Ivan Shishov.

Autographs

Tchaikovsky's manuscript score is now preserved in the Glinka National Museum Consortium of Musical Culture in Moscow (ф. 88, No. 108).