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Romantic · dumka

Doumka

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky · Level 9, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

A commission that became a concert piece. Doumka is a piece by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 9, an estimate.

On this page
  • dumka
  • Romantic
  • melancholic
  • stormy
  • voicing

Also known as Op. 59; TH 145; ČW 182.

History

Tchaikovsky composed Dumka at Maydanovo in February 1886 for Félix Mackar's commission. Jurgenson published it in Moscow that May, with a Paris printing following in 1887. At Mackar's suggestion, Tchaikovsky dedicated it to Antoine François Marmontel.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A broad melodic thought

    The opening melody moves through longer notes and then holds its answer. Hear it as a single singing thought above the accompanying voices, not as equally weighted attacks.

  2. A small decoration leads downward

    A tied note opens into a brief triplet decoration before the melody settles. Keep that decoration connected to the longer line and give the ending time to speak.

  3. The phrase reaches a new resting point

    Repeated melody notes lead to a dotted gesture and another long landing. Shape the upper line while keeping the supporting texture quieter.

  4. A winding answer settles

    The melody briefly turns around a chromatic note, then reaches a longer final sound. Keep the quick changes smooth while hearing the broader phrase direction.

How to practise it

Let the slow upper phrase remain clear above changing inner support.

  1. Sing the first upper gesture, then practise its longer F arrival.
  2. Practise the inner attack and rests alone before adding the upper melody.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 9, estimated

The proposed concert-level target concerns a coherent performance of the complete Dumka with dependable coordination, contrast and endurance. A slower reflective opening is not the difficulty of the whole work.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

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  2. The Seasons: JanuaryLevel 6, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Let the slow upper phrase remain clear above changing inner support.

Practise it in PlayPiano