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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. – – – – 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.