The diaries of Tchaikovsky,

by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

English (translation)Original Russian

365 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1945

About the author

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Russian: Петр Ильич Чайковский) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian: plangent, introspective, with modally-inflected melody and harmony.

Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but internationally, which he would eventually do.

Reviews

[Beth Ohrenschall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I didn't give up on this book. It was extremely dry--short diary entries. The last few chapters were more of a narrative, including Tchaikovsky's visit to New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. He found Americans very hospitable and charming. I also enjoyed his views on Tolstoy. He found his fiction to be perfection, and was overwhelmed when the two of them were listening to Tchaikovsky's First String Quartet and Tolstoy burst into tears.