In Tchaikovsky's symphonic output, his Symphony No. 4 was a pivotal work. It announced the composer as a major symphonist of his time, overshadowing his previous, less-than-distinguished efforts in this form, and opened the way to his last, major, works: the haunting Fifth Symphony and the biographical Sixth, the profound "Pathétique."

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was one of the most loved of Russian composers. His music is famous for its strong emotion, and his technical skill and strict work habits helped guarantee its lasting appeal. His wide-ranging output includes symphonies, operas, ballets, instrumental, chamber music, and songs.