Composed at the request of the French pianist and piano pedagogue, Marmontel.

Andante cantabile – con animato, 4/4 time, C minor.

The title is often translated as "Elegy." This work is written in the "Dumka form," a folk song form that originated in Poland in the 18th century.

The contrast between the heavy, sorrowful musical ideas and the brilliant, virtuosic middle section is effective.

The premiere was given by F.M. Blumenfeld in 1893 at a memorial concert in St. Petersburg, after Tchaikovsky's death.