Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky ( ) 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. –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.