Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5, movement 1

The opening of this symphony is a masterclass in changing colours in a simple melody and accompaniment texture. Note the following passages and see if you can find any textures and orchestrations to copy.

• Dark and restrained clarinet tune with string accompaniment at the beginning
• At bar 38 in the Allegro we have light accompaniment to a clarinet and bassoon melody
• At bar 58 (after letter B) the upper strings take the melody with horn and woodwind accompaniment. Note the scales in the woodwind, adding some rhythmic impetus.