PETER ILYCH TCHAIKOVSKY ( 1840-1893)

1. Musical genius was not noted at an early age

a. Early music teachers noted lack of self-confidence

2. Became a minor official with a job like Akaky Akakyievich's

a Early 20s begins to study music seriously
b. By 23 convinced he would become famous composer
c. Tchaikovsky first Russian composer to gain international reputation

3. Range of work

a. symphonies
b. operas
c. concertos
d. chamber music
e. ballets

4. Ballets

a. Ballet music slighted in Tchaikovsky's day much like film music is in our da y
b. Ballet music that could stand on its own
c.Choreographer Marius Petipa a Frenchman

1. Last collaboration together was Swan Lake, which premiered in 1895, two years after Tchaikovsky's death

5. Swan Lake

a. Most Russian of Tchaikovsky's three major ballets
b. Swan is a very old symbol in Russian folklore, signifying faithfulness in love

6. The Nutcracker

a. Premiered Mar. 19, 1892
b. Based on story by E. T. A. Hoffman
c. Tchaikovsky wrote the music in 2 weeks
d Innovation

1. Tchaikovsky used a new instrument: celeste
2. Used during the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

7. Sleeping Beauty

a. First Ballet
b Premiered 1890
c. Original source was European folk story

8. 1812 Overture

a. Perennial favorite in U. S.
b. Commemorates Russia's defeat of Napoleon in 181

9. Music you heard in class

a. Glinka: Overture from the opera "Ruslan and Liudmllla"
b. Tchaikovsky: "1812 Overture"