Relayed from the National Museum of Wales
National Orchestra of Wales
(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)

From a very early age Tchaikovsky was strongly attracted by Italian opera, and its melodious influence probably has a good deal to do with the fact that his music is in some ways less obviously Russian than that of his compatriots. He made more than one visit to Italy, and this piece, among the gayest and most care-free of all his music, was composed during a trip in 1880, most of which he spent in Rome. Writing from there to Madame von Meek, the good friend who enjoyed so much of his confidence, he says: 'I am working at an Italian Fantasia based on folk-songs. Thanks to the charming themes, some of which I have taken from collections, and others which I have heard in the streets, this work will be effective.'
(to 14.00)