Tchaikovsky, "Souvenir de Florence"

Shortly after the beginning of the relationship that would keep them in close epistolary contact for thirteen years, Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck sent Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky the first of many notes offering the composer her mansion at the Villa Oppenheimer, in Florence, so that he could enjoy its splendid comforts and compose at his leisure:

"My villa is surrounded by terraces and gardens with antique statues. The archangel Saint Michael stands guard over a fountain that discreetly breaks the silence... Beyond, stretches a beautiful olive grove and a little forest that autumn has dressed in silver, through which the bell towers of Florence peek out... On the horizon the Apennines are silhouetted... Come here, my dear friend, and you will have adequate shelter..."

Nadezhda von Meck (1831 - 1894)

The dazzling prospect kindled the composer's enthusiasm, and from then on Tchaikovsky visited Florence many times to spend a season at Oppenheimer, whose servants, butlers, and cooks were zealously instructed on how to behave and attend to the maestro, especially if the latter appeared there in a despondent mood, after confiding to Nadezhda, for example, that he could not get rid of "the melancholy that torments me".

P.I. Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893)
One of his last portraits

But in the summer of 1890, having long since become a European celebrity, the composer chose to spend a few days of rest in his own country house. There he began to write a sextet full of memories of Florence, which he titled Souvenir de Florence. Unaware of what was coming, he sent a note to Nadezhda Filaretovna telling her about his plans:

"Knowing your great love for chamber music, I rejoice to think that you will undoubtedly hear my Sextet. It will not be necessary for you to attend any concerts, for it will be easy to prepare a good performance at home."

It will be one of the last notes they will exchange. In September of that year, Pyotr Ilyich will receive the last and final one. Nadezhda has decided to end the epistolary relationship and, in passing, also the annual pension. She claims that her financial position is very bad, and adds she is sick and tired.

Tchaikovsky never fully learned the reason for the abandonment.

Sextet for Strings in D minor, Souvenir de Florence
Written for two violins, two violas, and two cellos, it was not premiered until the end of 1892, a few months before the death of its composer. Happy conjunction of Russian and Italian airs, it is a very beautiful work, stylized and elegant; it seems to be the fruit of happy days in Pyotr Ilyich's life.

The rendition is by Janine Jansen and Friends ensemble, led, of course, by the Dutch violinist Janine Jansen.

It lasts about 35 minutes, and its movements are:

00        Allegro con spirito  

10:50  Adagio cantabile e con moto 

21:12  Allegretto moderato 

27:47  Allegro con brio e vivace