Tchaikovsky

When?

May 7 1840

November 5 1893, age 53

Where?

Votkinsky, Russia

Tchaikovsky was a

Romantic

composer.

In “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” Tchaikovsky uses the celesta, a keyboard instrument that sounds high and twinkly. He was one of the first major composers to feature it. You may recognize it as the sparkly, magical sound used in Harry Potter!

Tchaikovsky’s most famous piece is a ballet called, “The Nutcracker.” It’s about Clara, a girl who receives a nutcracker doll for Christmas. After she fights off some big, bad rats, her nutcracker turns into a prince, and they fly off to a magical world.

Tchaikovksy was told his Piano Concerto No. 1 was too hard for a pianist to play and that it was worthless. Tchaikovsky refused to change a note and today it is one of the most performed concertos ever. Sometimes it pays to have faith in yourself!

Tchaikovsky bridged two musical worlds, combining traditional classical structure with Russian folk melodies. This made his music more accessible than other Russian composers at that time.

Tchaikovsky’s music is known for its emotional range, from deep sadness to soaring joy. There is a heavy, sometimes tragic feeling to some of his music, probably influenced by struggles in his personal life.

Tchaikovsky had a talent for writing memorable, soaring melodies that stick in your head. You can especially hear this in his ballets, like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

Fun Facts

Both Maestros

Secret Admirer

A wealthy widow, Nadezhda von Meck, financially supported him for years. They wrote hundreds of letters to each other, but they agreed never to meet in person!

Both Maestros

A Sad Farewell

His Pathétique Symphony debuted only 9 days before he died. Strangely, the last movement is extremely sad, almost tragic, like someone is saying a tearful goodbye.

Both Maestros

Now That's A Lot of Walnuts!

There are over 1500 productions of The Nutcracker worldwide every year!