The classical works that most people recognize are the songs that make up Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite." A favorite on many ballet companies around the world, the suite was also popularized by Disney in the film 'Fantasia'. It was written at the end of his life and yet still captures the innocence of the story of a little girl and her Christmas gifts. The 'Romeo and Juliet Overture' is equally as moving the work that Shakespeare intended. The rise and fall of the music conveys the heartfelt sentiments of the tragic couple.

• Nutcracker Suite: The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies       
• Nutcracker Suite: The Chinese Dance   
• Romeo and Juliet Overture   

Perhaps Tchaikovsky's proudest creation is his Symphony No.6, the Pathetique. Though it has parts that are soft and light hearted, the symphony evokes anguish with its wild flowing violins and it's hectic tempos. His 1st piano concerto, which was not received well initially, opens equally as frantic as the symphony, but when it merges with the orchestra it becomes a thing of beauty.

• Symphony No. 6, the Pathetique   
• Piano Concerto No.1