Tchaikovsky: 2 Pieces, Op.10

Introduction

The Two Pieces (Deux morceaux) for solo piano, Op. 10 (TH 132 ; ČW 110 and 111), were written during the three weeks that Tchaikovsky spent in Nice around the start of 1872.

Movements and Duration

1. Nocturne
   Andante cantabile (F major, 81 bars).
2. Humoresque
   Allegretto scherzando (G major, 134 bars).

A complete performance lasts approximately 7 minutes.

Composition

According to Modest Tchaikovsky these two pieces were written between 24 December 1871/5 January 1872 and 29 January/10 February 1872 while the composer was staying in Nice, and the theme of the middle section of the Humoresque (No. 2) is based on the old French song 'La fille aux oranges', which Tchaikovsky heard in the French resort .

Arrangements

In December 1876 the author arranged the Humoresque (No. 2) for violin with piano, at the request of Nadezhda von Meck.

Performances

Nocturne (No. 1) was played in Tiflis, at a special RMS symphony concert on 19 April/1 May 1886, by Gennady Korganov.

In France, the Humoresque (No. 2) was among Tchaikovsky's most-performed piano pieces before 1900, even though no-one appears to have noticed the quotation of a provençal song. The earliest public performance was by René Chansarel who played it at Félix Mackar’s first "audition" on 2/14 January 1886. Louis Diémer interpreted the Humoresque on several occasions:

• 12/24 February 1887 — Mackar's second "audition"
• 9/21 December 1887 — Cercle Saint-Simon), 16/28 February 1888 (in the presence of the composer at a concert in the home of Marie de Benardaky)
• 29 February/11 March 1888 — Concerts Colonne
• 4/16 March 1888 — La Trompette
• 25 April/7 May 1888 — Mackar’s third "audition"
• 1/13 January 1894 — La Trompette.

Performances by other pianists took place in the Société nationale de musique (23 March/4 April 1891) and at student recitals .