Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Winter Daydreams
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Work background
Researched classical background
Tchaikovsky's First Symphony bears descriptive headings for its opening two movements, linking the work with winter journeys and a misty landscape. A scherzo and a finale using a Russian folk melody complete the four-movement design. The composer revised the score substantially in 1874, so the date of the original conception and that of the familiar revised score must be distinguished.
A listening guide
Hear the folk melody develop within the finale.
Listening suggestions are editorial guides to the music.
Forces: Orchestra
Composition: 1866
Original composition 1866; revised in 1874.
This entry describes the musical work or cycle. Composition, premiere and publication dates describe different events. Performers and recordings can be explored through the external listening search.
Also known as: Winter Daydreams; Winter Dreams
Date, title and version notes
Original and revised versions differ; most performances use the later score.
Tchaikovsky Research: First Symphony
1866 original, 1874 revision, descriptive headings and folk melody | Reviewed 2026-10-19
Sources for this work
Tchaikovsky Research: First Symphony
1866 original, 1874 revision, descriptive headings and folk melody | Reviewed 2026-10-19
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