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A young Tchaikovsky began composing his first symphony in 1866, whilst he was at the Moscow Conservatory. It was a landmark moment for Russian music, as Tchaikovsky’s development as a composer brought forth the Russian romantic symphony.

Tchaikovsky named the symphony ‘Winter Dreams’ (or ‘Winter Daydreams’), and it’s hard not to imagine wintry landscapes flurried with snow when listening. The first movement in particular, titled ‘Daydreams of a Winter Journey’ begins with a beautifully evocative melody shared by the flute and bassoon.

This performance took place at Cheltenham Town Hall in 2008 with much-loved conductor Grant Llewellyn.