Tchaikovsky’s ChansonTriste arranged for organ with pedals now available as a download. The organ realisation plays back at 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. In a playing context a slower tempo can be considered. In the arrangement there are a number of octave transpositions (upwards) in the pedal bass part and just a small number of voicing changes to the inner parts. One of Tchaikovsky’s most popular pieces composed in 1878 for piano this arrangement for organ with pedals is in the original key of G minor. It is a ternary form ABA movement in a reflective melancholy mood. It has a regular phrase structure and the melodic line needs to be played with a singing legato. When performing the music be aware that tempo changes particularly at the end of phrases are appropriate. The music needs to be delivered with expression and a broad range of dynamics. Playing the G minor in both the harmonic and melodic forms would be excellent preparation for playing this intermediate level work. There are almost hymn like characteristics in some of the chordal sections of this work reflecting the wonderful chordal writing of the composer’s vocal works. Whilst there are transpositions of his orchestral works for organ there are is no music specifically composed for organ.
