DESCRIPTION:
The March Slave in B-flat minor, Op. 31 (published as Slavonic March) or Serbo-Russian March is an orchestral composition by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

In June 1876, Serbia was at war with the Ottoman Empire. Russia openly supported Serbia. The Russian Musical Society commissioned an orchestral piece from Tchaikovsky for a concert in aid of the Red Cross Society, and ultimately for the benefit of wounded Serbian veterans. Many Russians sympathized with those they considered to be their fellow Slavs and Orthodox Christians and sent volunteer soldiers and aid to assist Serbia.

Tchaikovsky referred to the piece as his "Serbo-Russian March" while writing it. It was premiered in Moscow on November 17, 1876, conducted by Nikolai Rubinstein.

Conductor: Yehudi Menuhin
Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra