Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 D major Op. 29, "Polish"

The dance-like, almost suite-like "Polish" owes its nickname to the polonaise in the final movement. Compared to Tchaikovsky's last symphonies, the Third has two peculiarities: It is not only the only one in a major key, but also has five movements instead of four. As the immediate predecessor of the famous last three symphonies, the "Polish" has always been overshadowed by them and rarely shows up on the programs. Tchaikovsky himself, who until the end of his life had a very ambivalent attitude towards his own work, described the Third as "not very innovative, but a great technical advancement". However, the symphony does not have to hide behind its siblings, as it offers impressive creativity both in melody and structure.