Romeo and Juliet (Tchaikovsky) Romeo and Juliet (Tchaikovsky) Romeo and Juliet, TH 42, ČW 39, is an orchestral work composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is styled an "Overture-Fantasy", and is based on Shakespeare's play of the same name. Like other composers such as Berlioz and Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky was deeply inspired by Shakespeare and wrote works based on "The Tempest" and "Hamlet" as well. Unlike Tchaikovsky's other major compositions, "Romeo and Juliet" does not have an opus number. It has been given the alternative catalogue designations TH 42 and ČW 39. Although styled an 'Overture-Fantasy' by the composer, the overall design is a symphonic
Romeo and Juliet during which Shakespeare was London's dominant playwright. The date of the first performance is unknown. The First Quarto, printed in 1597, says that "it hath been often (and with great applause) plaid publiquely", setting the first performance before that date. The Lord Chamberlain's Men were certainly the first to perform it. Besides their strong connections with Shakespeare, the Second Quarto actually names one of its actors, Will Kemp, instead of Peter, in a line in Act Five. Richard Burbage was probably the first Romeo, being the company's actor, and Master Robert Goffe (a boy) the first Juliet. The premiere is