Classical composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) is well known for his Christmas-themed ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Another of his compositions has worked its way into the fabric of society, but isn’t a household name. His “Overture-Fantasy,” a standalone work recreating the love story between Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” was one of his celebrated works.
A Tribute to History’s Greatest Playwright
Tchaikovsky wrote “Overture-Fantasy” as a tribute to one of his favorite plays, Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” He adored Shakespeare’s work. His “Overture-Fantasy” has become so synonymous with the famous play, many simply refer to his composition as “Romeo and Juliet.”
An overture acts as a standalone piece meant to introduce something to audiences. In Tchaikovsky’s case, he introduces listeners to his take on the Shakespearean tragedy, in strictly musical form. This concept is known as a “symphonic poem,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” remains a favorite within the genre.
A Novel Idea
Around 1869, the Russian composer tried his hand at his first symphonic poem, a composition he titled “Fatum.” However, when his mentor Mily Balakirev conducted the work in St. Petersburg, it wasn’t particularly well-received. Tchaikovsky’s passion waned after this. He even confessed to Balakirev, “I’m completely burnt out.”
Balakirev was better acquainted than the young composer with the test of artistic endurance. Despite Tchaikovsky’s deflated emotional state, Balakirev urged Tchaikovsky to continue creating. The struggling composer was hesitant. After several attempts to inspire his protégé, Balakirev realized he had to come up with an idea himself to get Tchaikovsky creating again.
One day, he approached Tchaikovsky with a novel idea. Balakirev had written an overture in honor of Shakespeare’s work. He tackled the formidable “King Lear” in the composition. He suggested Tchaikovsky tackle the same creative concept of the overture, but with the beloved “Romeo and Juliet.”
Facing The Music
The “Overture-Fantasy” tells the dramatic story of Romeo and Juliet’s great love for each other. First, we are introduced to the pious Friar Lawrence by way of a strings section. The deep tones and plucked notes foreshadow what’s to come. Amid cymbal crashes, a growing woodwinds section, and a frantic rhythm held down by strings, we come to a wistful, yearning section denoting Romeo and Juliet’s famous meeting while she stands on her balcony.
We are then taken through their love story, including the infamous battle between the Capulet and Montague families, all within about 20 minutes of music. The final notes played depict the triumphant power of their love against all odds. This impactful, positive ending is indicative of Tchaikovsky’s Romantic style, popular during the period he created.
‘The Five’ Becomes Six
After its debut in March 1870, “Romeo and Juliet” met with a mild reception in Russia and in parts of Europe. Parisian composers quickly came to Tchaikovsky’s defense, suggesting those performing his piece may not have understood it, therefore they could have compromised its impact in a live setting.Today, the composition’s whimsical, gentle parts that depict Romeo and Juliet’s love story are especially popular in movies and TV shows. Different sequences of the “Overture-Fantasy” can be heard in classic films like the 1948 “The Three Musketeers” (based on the Alexander Dumas novel) and the hit movie “A Christmas Story.” It can also be heard in contemporary shows like “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and many other sitcoms and animated series.
Due to its mild reception initially, it’s easy to wonder how it became such a popular classical work featured in so many blockbuster projects.
During Tchaikovsky’s time in Russia, there was a group of composers known as “The Five.” This exclusive group consisted of five classical musicians who set the tone for Russian culture. Tchaikovsky’s mentor Balakirev was the leader of the pack. Despite the less than enthusiastic public (compared to composers) reception of Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet,” that all changed when “The Five” listened to it.
True to form, Balakirev had some minor critiques. But every time the group got together, Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” was played. Balakirev played the composition so many times, he eventually didn’t even need sheet music.
Now a treasured Tchaikovsky piece among classical music fans, prominent Russian critic Vladimir Stasov once echoed the sentiment. After listening to the composition he proclaimed to Tchaikovsky and “The Five” group:
