Tchaikovski

(chi-kof'-ski), Peter Hyitch, compr b. Wotkinsk, province of Wjatka, May 7, 1840; d. St. Petersburg, Nov. 6, 1893 As a child displayed no especial mus. ability; entered gov’t service; 1855-58 jrf. le ons from Kundmger, sang in choir under Lomakin; attempts at composition led him to give up service 1863 to enter St. Petersburg Cons., where he was taught by Zaremba (theory), A. Rubin stein (comp.), Ciardi (flute), and Stiehl (organ); taught theory at Moscow Cons. 1866-77; contributor to journals 1872-74, and thereafter devoted to composition; married 1877 and separated from wife after few weeks; same year formed friendship with Frau von Meek, who out of her riches gave him generous pension that he might be free to create; 1887- 89 touis as condr. in Germany; 1890 lived in Florence; 1891 conducted in Paris and New York, 1892-93 in Germanv where Camb. Univ. a.'u* Inn composed 11 operas ( hugen Onegin, Pique Dame best known), cantatas, songs, 6 symphonies (No. 6 is the “ Patnitique), 7 symph. poems ( Tempest Manfred Francesca da Rimini, Romeo and Juliet Hamlet Fatum Le Voievode), 3 pf concertos, 1 vln. concerto, 3 stung quartets, tno, etc., some pf. works, and songs Most widely known of Ru ian comprs., but considered by Ru ians as le characteristically national than any other. His music is marked by bold modulations, strong rhythms, and gorgeousne of orchestral coloring, by which he expre es intense personal emotions; he is quite romantic in the warmth of his feeling, brilliancy of imagination and lack of reserve; “ his real contribution to the history of music lies in his modification of symphonic form in obedience to a poetic idea.” [Newman.] Remarkably detailed life by brother Modest T. has been translated into German by Juon, and, in part, into English by Rosa New march.