Well-known for his ballets, symphonies, operas and concertos, Tchaikovsky is infrequently associated to the lied. Yet it has not written less than a hundred romances (term allocated to that specifically Russian form of the melody).
Works rich musically and emotionally, that translate often heavy feelings of nostalgia and even despair as they recount the life, love, disappointments, separations. But you will also find hope, comfort, in moments of wonder because before disappoint love will one day dazzled, delighted ...
His writing combines the traditional character of his native Russia to Western influences inherited from his many travels. They are particularly evident in his Six French Melodies, op. 65 -very rarely recorded- very different from its Russian romances. In a lightness mixed with a sentimental finesse, the wife music text highlighting color that combines with a French melody fit for subtlety, sweetness, simplicity and drama.