When Tchaikovsky completed the Variations on a Rococo Theme, for cello and orchestra, in 1877, the musical world had long moved on from the refined Classical period. Romantic period composers were more interested in passion and drama. This work, however, overflows with veneration for Mozart, one of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved composers. Its buoyant, elegant air exemplifies the rococo style of the late eighteenth century. In this video, Shen Yun violist Rachel Chen presents an alto version of the