Hamlet: Fantasy Overture, Op. 67

Written by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) in 1888, as he was working on his FIFTH SYMPHONY, HAMLET: FANTASY OVERTURE, Op. 67 is one of two works he based on Shakespeare's HAMLET, the other being the incidental music Op. 67a. As early as 1876, his brother Modest had suggested he write a symphonic poem based on the material. Eventually approached by actor Lucien Guitry, he agreed to compose music for a stage production of the play. When the performance was cancelled, he went on to craft the material into a concert overture. Dedicated to Edvard Grieg, the work premiered on November 24, 1888 in St. Petersburg under the baton of the composer. Instrumentation: 3(3rd d. Picc).2+EH.2.2: 4.2+2Crnt.3.1: Timp.Perc (4): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set).