Tchaikovsky variation on a rococo theme op.33: a review of its history and versions

Abstract

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on Rococo Theme,” op. 33, is a concerto-type work for cello which is considered one of the most technically demanding pieces in the standard repertoire. The piece was dedicated to Wilhelm Fitzenhagen in 1876. In the nearly 150 years since then, this piece has existed in three versions: Tchaikovsky and Fitzenhagen (regarded as the “original” version), Tchaikovsky and Fitzenhagen with a slightly revised ending to the last variation, and the “Fitzenhagen” version which is the most heavily edited and has one variation removed entirely (MacGregor, 2001). However, until now, the most popular version that cellists have performed is the third of these, the Fitzenhagen re-ordered version. It is curious for me that the version by Tchaikovsky’s order was not the first choice for performance. Therefore, this creative project is to research its uncertain history, clarify the order of variations, and analysis differences in two versions. By clarifying the history and examining the order of the variations in this piece, this project also will help cello professors and students on the whole understanding for the interpretation of Tchaikovsky Rococo variation.