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Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
(1840-1893)
The troubled Russian
• Born in czarist Russia.
• He lived in the capital, St. Petersburg.
• Received a law degree, but wanted to study music,
so he gave up law & attended the St. Petersburg
Conservatory.
• He studied under the famous composer, Anton
Rubenstein.
• After taking his music degree, he taught harmonic
principles at Moscow Conservatory.
• He gained financial support from a wealthy
Moscow widow, Nedezhda von Meck.
• One condition—they never meet; lasted 13 years.
• The financial support lasted for 13 years before she
suddenly withdrew her support & friendship.
• By this time though, Tchaikovsky was able to
support himself.
• While other Russian composers were concentrating
on Russian music (nationalist composers)
Tchaikovsky’s music reflected a more cosmopolitan
sound.
• His music is grounded in the Western European
tradition of Beethoven & other composers.
• He was the first Russian composer to gain an
international reputation.
• In 1891, Andrew Carnegie invited Tchaikovsky to
come from Europe to conduct the opening concert
at Carnegie Hall.
• Carnegie Hall is synonymous with excellence in
music, opera, & theatre.
• Tchaikovsky tends to be an emotional composer.
– He suffered from bouts of depression.
– Disastrous marriage to cover his homosexuality.
– Suicide attempts
• He died in St. Petersburg during a cholera
epidemic.
• His death is shrouded in mystery.
• Some think his death was intentional
• He supposedly drank un-boiled water to
expose himself to cholera.
• The rumor was that the father of his lover
was going to expose him to authorities; being
homosexual in czarist Russia could get you a
stiff prison sentence.
• The father broke-up the relationship which
caused Tchaikovsky to consider suicide.
Tchaikovsky’s Works
• Tchaikovsky is known for his fantastic &
memorable melodies.
• He tended to be weaker in the connecting parts, but
the major parts of his works were excellent.
• His first 3 symphonies were not very well received
by the public.
• The 4th, 5th, & 6th symphonies were better.
• He is best known for his ballet suites.
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Swan Lake
The Sleeping Beauty
The Nutcracker
Romeo & Juliet
• Tchaikovsky used the traditional symphonic format
with brilliantly orchestrated textures.
• He wrote one opera, Eugene Onegin, which was
very warmly received by the public. It is based on a
plot by Pushkin.
• Most memorable piano work is the 2nd Piano
Concerto; he wrote other incidental pieces for the
piano.
• Most known for his 1812 Overture.
The 1812 Overture
Debuted in August, 1882
• This piece was written to commemorate the
Russian’s victory over Napoleon & his Grand Armee
which had invaded Russia.
• Tchaikovsky thought it would never be
remembered; he said it would be “showy & noisy,
but without artistic merit.”
• He wanted it performed outside in the square
fronting the Cathedral of Christ the Redeemer.
– A brass band would reinforce the orchestra.
– The cathedral bells & the other bells of Moscow would
ring on cue.
– Live cannonfire would accompany the piece at specific
points.
• The piece starts with the hymn, “God Preserve Thy
People,” one that is a favorite of many Russians.
• Tchaikovsky then combines pastoral & militant
themes describing the increasing distress of the
Russian people.
• Repetition of the Marseillaise, the French national
anthem, symbolizes the invading French army.
• There are swirling sounds (descending string
passages) indicating the French are meeting with
resistance from the Russian forces.
• The French occupy Moscow, but then, bells peal,
the hymn, “God Preserve Thy People” is repeated
indicating Moscow is burning.
• FYI: the Russians burned Moscow to deny the
French a winter sanctuary.
• Next, a musical chase scene appears & finally the
anthem, “God Save the Czar” emerges along with
cannon shots from the victorious Russian army.
• There are 16 cannon shots written into the score.
• Outside performances usually use live cannon shot.
• Even though it has no historical connection with
the US-UK War of 1812, it is often performed in
the US at July 4th celebrations.