Who composed the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture?

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.

Tchaikovsky’s orchestral work was inspired by Shakespeare’s tragedy and is especially known for its lyrical love theme, turbulent battle music, and solemn treatment of Friar Laurence. Although called an overture, it is a concert work rather than the opening music to a complete opera or stage play.

The piece was first composed in 1869 and later revised substantially. Tchaikovsky made important changes in 1870, and the version most often performed reflects later revision history. The work’s expressive contrast mirrors the play’s movement between conflict and intimacy.

It is frequently confused with Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, which is a separate ballet score. Tchaikovsky’s work is an orchestral fantasy overture, while Prokofiev created music for a full-length ballet with numerous numbered scenes and dances.