Tchaikovsky, like countless composers who have found inspiration in folk melody, loved Russian folk music all his life. While composing his second symphony in 1872-73, he was inspired by farmers' songs that had fascinated himduring a stay in Kamenka (near Kiev). For the finale, he used the melody from the song The Stork. James Curnow's transcription of this 19th-century masterpiece will allow your ensemble to bring its contest or concert performanceto a fitting finale.