About Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Russia's most famous composer, is celebrated as one of the greatest Romantic composers alongside Beethoven, Schubert, Berlioz, Brahms, Chopin, and Verdi. Born on May 7, 1840, in Votkinsk, Russia, Tchaikovsky hailed from a family with a military background. His father, Ilya Petrovich Tchaikovsky, served as a lieutenant colonel and engineer in the Department of Mines.
While renowned for his 1812 Overture, a musical depiction of Russia's victory over Napoleon, Tchaikovsky's repertoire extends beyond this iconic piece. He composed six magnificent symphonies, a renowned Violin Concerto, and two Piano Concertos. Notably, he created enchanting ballet scores for Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Sleeping Beauty. Swan Lake, in particular, is the world's most frequently performed ballet.
Despite his musical achievements, Tchaikovsky faced personal struggles and periods of depression. He experienced early separation from his mother and the loss of his dear friend Nikolai Rubinstein. Tchaikovsky's marriage to Antonina Miliukova ended in failure, with speculation suggesting it was an attempt to appease his family and suppress rumors about his sexuality.
Regarding his sexual orientation, Tchaikovsky's biographers generally agree that he was gay. However, in the conservative environment of 19th-century Russia, he had to conceal his personal life, contributing to his unhappiness and mental distress.
Tchaikovsky's music is renowned for its emotional depth and captivating melodies. Influenced by Russian folk rhythms and a love for the theater, his symphonies are considered dramatic masterpieces. His ability to infuse profound emotion into his compositions remains unparalleled.
On October 28, 1893, Tchaikovsky conducted the premiere of his Sixth Symphony, the Pathétique, in Saint Petersburg. Just nine days later, at the age of 53, he passed away under mysterious circumstances. While cholera was initially believed to be the cause, recent speculation suggests the possibility of suicide, though the truth remains uncertain.
Tchaikovsky's legacy as a remarkable composer endures. His music resonates with audiences, characterized by its emotional expression, captivating melodies, and vibrant orchestration. His ability to combine accessible beauty with profound emotion and rhythmic energy solidifies his place among the most beloved composers in the classical music canon.
Discover the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony Originals
Festive Inauguration
A Night of Tchaikovsky
A beautiful Symhony Night Live concert dedicated to Tchaikovsky's work. Hong Kong-born Elim Chan takes you on this musical journey and shows you classics
Available Now
A Treatise on Fate
A program of romantic works exploring providence, memory, and the timeless melodrama of the human condition led by Nathalie Stutzmann
Concerts featuring Tchaikovsky
Available now
A Piano Celebration with Mehta and Barenboim
Celebrate Tchaikovsky's beloved Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, a popular classic powerhouse piece that has endured for over a century.
Available Now
The Nutcracker in Amsterdam
The combination of the captivating conductor Semyon Bychkov and Tchaikovsky's legendary ballet The Nutcracker makes this program truly irresistible.
Available Now
Andris Nelsons Conducts Tchaikovsky and Weinberg
Works by Mussorgsky and Weinberg lead into the majestic fanfare of Tchaikovsky's thrilling 4th symphony.
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