Fatum (Tchaikovsky)

Fatum (Russian: Фатум, meaning "Fate" or "Destiny"), Op. 77, is an orchestral fantasy composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1868. It was his second major orchestral work, following his Overture in F major. Tchaikovsky dedicated the work to Mily Balakirev, the leader of the group of composers known as "The Mighty Handful" (also known as "The Five").

The composition is a programmatic work, intended to musically depict the power of fate. Tchaikovsky provided a program for the work, although this program was later lost. Balakirev, however, was critical of the work, suggesting numerous revisions and ultimately dismissing it. Tchaikovsky, initially receptive to Balakirev's feedback, eventually destroyed the original score in 1869.

Years later, after Tchaikovsky's death, the score was reconstructed from orchestral parts found in the archives of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. It was published posthumously as Op. 77. While not considered among Tchaikovsky's most popular works, Fatum is still performed occasionally and offers insight into the composer's early compositional style and struggles with self-doubt. The music is characterized by its dramatic intensity, melancholic melodies, and moments of orchestral brilliance.