Living a lie could crush one's spirit forever. But admitting the truth could be even worse. Bestowed with a rare musical gift, but burdened by demons of self-doubt and passions forbidden in 19th century Russia, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky struggled to release the music inside his head. And equally, to find romantic fulfillment that always remained just beyond his reach. He was deeply affected by the women in his life - those he loved, those he despised, and those whose affection he longed so badly to hold. Yet, aside from music, his truest passion was reserved only for men. Tchaikovsky refused to abide by the rules of the musical establishment of his time. Assailed by critics as being 'neither Russian nor German, ' he endured scathing criticism which he often took to heart, destroying many of his own 'imperfect' compositions. This compelling new work takes you inside the head of Pyotr - from age seven to his untimely death at fifty-three. It also provides a layman's guide to his music and his musical influences, and the techniques Tchaikovsky used to chart his musical destiny.

Robert Sarkissian offers biographical information about the Russian composer Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), as part of the Island of Freedom resource. Tchaikovsky composed many types of compositions and is well known for his ballet works that include "The Nutcracker" and "Sleeping Beauty." Sarkissian features an image of the composer and a list of variant spellings of Tchaikovsky's name.

The most popular of all Russian composers, Peter Tchaikovsky is probably best known for his ballets. Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Nutcracker are still performed worldwide. But a good part of Tchaikovsky s career was spent writing operas. Eugene Onegin and The Queen of Spades are two of his better-known works. A precocious child, Peter could read French and German by the age of six. At seven, he wrote verses in French. In school, he studied to be a lawyer. It was not until he was twenty-one years old that he turned his focus to music. But this man who made such beautiful melodies was unhappy most of his life. He was terrified when he stood in front of an orchestra. He had an unrealistic fear that his head would fall off and he actually held his left hand under his chin to keep his head attached! However, he left a great legacy of beautiful music. From the diaries and letters he wrote, we know about the life of Peter Tchaikovsky. In this book, young adults are introduced to one of the greatest composers of all time.

This book is a charming account of Tchaikovsky's only visit to America--a trip he made to New York in 1891 to participate in the opening of Carnegie Hall. Told largely in Tchaikovsky's own words--making use of his letters and diary--it is at once a revealing psychological portrait of the great Russian composer and a rich picture of New York cultural life at the end of the last century.

A wonderful collection of miniature pieces reminiscent of childhood, similar to Schumann's Album For The Young. Each selection is delightful and entertaining for students and audiences of all ages.

This biography looks at the life and work of Pyotr Tchaikovsky, with illustrations from his life and the Russia in which he lived. Simple keyboard arrangements of some of his work, including "Romeo and Juliet", the "1812 Overture" and the "Pathetique" symphony are included.