PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY

(1840-1893)

Russian composer, aloof from the overt nationalism of THE MIGHTY HANDFUL group, but nevertheless writing in a distinctively Russian style.

A homosexual, left his wife a few weeks after marriage 1877; 1876-1890,
carried on an extensive correspondence with Nadezhda von Meck, a wealthy widow who made him a monetary allowance - but they hardly met.

Visited USA, 1892; England, 1893 (D.Mus., Cambridge).

Developed cholera after drinking unboiled water (perhaps deliberately?) in St. Petersburg and died
there a few days after the first performance of his last symphony, the 'PATHETIC'.

His second symphony is nicknamed 'UKRANIAN' (or 'Little Russian').

Famous for MOZARTIANA, TEMPEST, ROMEO AND JULIET, HAMLET, FRANCESCA DA RIMINI,
EIGHTEEN-TWELVE; EUGENE ONEGIN, THE QUEEN OF SPADES, YOLANDE, MAZEPPA, and 7 other operas; Ballets: SWAN LAKE, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, THE NUTCRACKER; chamber works, songs.....

For the music of Tchaikovsky, go to our online store at:

http://klavarskribo.com/