Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed his Pezzo capriccioso, Op. 62, for cello and orchestra in a single week in August 1887. Belying its title, this work is written in the somber key of B minor, the same key as the Symphony No. 6 Pathétique. The Pezzo is not capricious in a lighthearted sense. The capriccioso aspect comes from Tchaikovsky's fanciful treatment of various aspects of the work's simple theme. Despite some rapid passages and a turn to the major key, Tchaikovsky preserves the basic pulse and sober mood throughout the piece.
| Tempo | Andante con moto |
| Date of composition | 1887 (August 1887) |
| Premiered | 1889, December 7th in Moscow, Russia by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky |
| First published | 1888 in Moscow, Russia |
| Dedicated to | Dedicated to Anatoly Brandukov (cellist creator) |
| Type | Caprice (Capriccio) |
| Tonality | B Minor |
| Catalogue | Op. 62 |
| Approx. duration | 7 minutes |
| Instruments |
Orchestra
Cello |
| Autotranslations beta |
Piotr Ilitch Tchaïkovski: Pezzo capriccioso en si mineur, Op. 62 Pëtr Il'ič Čajkovskij: Pezzo capriccioso in si minore, Op. 62 Pjotr Iljitsch Tschaikowski: Pezzo capriccioso h-moll, Op. 62 |