Pyotr: The Life and Music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

by Steve Moretti

He changed ballet forever. And hid his wounds even longer. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was bestowed with a rare musical gift, but burdened by demons of self-doubt and passions forbidden in 19th century Russia. He struggled to release the music inside his head. And equally, to find romantic fulfillment that always remained just beyond his reach. He was deeply affected by the women in his life – those he loved, those he despised, and those whose affection he longed so badly to hold. Yet, aside from music, his truest passion was reserved only for men. Tchaikovsky refused to abide by the rules of the musical establishment of his time.

Assailed by critics as being ‘neither Russian nor German,’ he endured scathing criticism, which he often took to heart, destroying many of his own ‘imperfect’ compositions. This compelling new work takes you inside the head of Pyotr – from age seven to his untimely death at fifty-three. It also provides a layman’s guide to his music and his musical influences, and the techniques Tchaikovsky used to chart his musical destiny.

Audible Audio

Published December 27, 2024

About the author

I am drawn to creativity in whatever form it takes, fascinated by all we do still do not understand about the universe and continually surprised by the things human beings do or have done.

My writing journey started in broadcast journalism, public relations, and advertising, then continued into educational software development while running a company I founded and ran for twenty years.
I now concentrate my time on writing historical fantasy, with one series complete, Song for a Lost Kingdom and the first book in a follow-up trilogy, Michael Angelo & the Stone Mistress released earlier this year.

I also co-authored a biographical work on composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky entitled Pyotr which explores key moments in Tchaikovsky’s difficult life.

I grew up in London, Ontario and also lived in Pompano Beach, Florida as a teenager. I moved to Ottawa to attend Carleton University many years ago and now live just south of the city with my wife and a fountain pen full of words.

Please visit stevemorett.ca for information on all my books and audiobooks.

You can download a FREE copy of my novella prequel to the Song for a Lost Kingdom series and join my mailing list to keep updated on new and current projects.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** A MASTERPIECE ***
This book took me totally by surprise. I usually read romantic fiction. However, Mr. Moretti caught my attention with his last book "Song for a Lost Kingdom". Since then, I decided not to miss any of his work. It is deep, meaningful, tender, cruel and loving. The characters are so realistic. There is no doubt that the author put time and attention to this work. Now Pyotr is still in the musical realm of a person who lived long ago and was a musical genius who is a legend in his own right. The story takes snapshots of his live at different ages and one can see him in a light of not just a legend but as a person. A flesh and blood real human being. Moretti and van Geldrop bring a realistic person to the reader that is easy to identify with. And identify I did. Pyotr or Petya as his closest companions, friends and lovers called him was a unique man who wore his heart on his sleeve. There was never any question about the feelings Petya experienced in his short life. The authors wrote from a true perspective of the human condition. In this case Petya. An unforgettable man now more alive to me because of this book. I hope the authors consider making an audio version of this book accompanied with Pyotr's musical work when that particular piece is being discussed. Even though one will see it is 15 chapters long and an easy read. Let me tell you it will be a long 15 chapter of living, loving, torture and pain. A sadness for a man misunderstood by many. It is heartbreaking to read and feel the weariness in Petya's voice and how he lived. How his critics tried to crush his creativity to the ground. Yet Petya did not, could not stop writing music. It was his life. His sole purpose for living. Petya lived in a bubble not ever feeling the full effect of the positive love, respect and regard others had for him. And they were in the thousands who loved him and his work. Just a small warning, I cried and cried at the end. Petya's life story moved me; mind body and soul. Do not pass this up. You will not be disappointed and you will receive a gift and an appreciation for a life previously unknown. I highly recommend this book. It is one I shall not forget anytime soon.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Great world building
Inspirational
Original
Page-turner
Realistic
Tear-jerker
Tragic
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Nevine Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I could be so ingrossed in a book about a classical composer but life is definitely fill of surprises and I am beyond glad that I took the opportunity to read this book. I have never been interested in classical music and honestly hadn't paid much attention to it before. After reading just a few chapters I had learned more about music than I had ever known in my life. The interchanging use of storytelling and short lessons on musical history was very enlightening and enjoyable. Reading about the personal struggles and triumphs of such a well known person even though there are still many mysteries still yet to be know was so touching really brought Tchaikovsky to life.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an insightful collaboration into Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's life, love, and legacy!
The way that Steve Moretti and Paul Van Geldrop worked together and created this wonderful book is truly Awesome! I wasn't sure how they would put real history in with drama and ways to keep one interested, without it sounding like a boring textbook, but they did! The listing of what was written, by whom, and many cases how it was changed and why, was really insightful. There is so much work that goes into creating a piece, what it is going to be used for, and who gets to change it, or who is allowed to play it with what influence, is rather disheartening! Then there is the fact that Pyotr is very much a man who is only in-to men, not women in that way, and how he was treated in Russia, by other muscians, by people in general, and how he FELT about those things... He was a man before his time, but yet, he created the paths for so many things because of his time too! I think that him backing himself into seclusion, which helped him to create masterpieces, also fed his fear of others. As when he did die, the following and outpouring of love was quite something, and I hope that he was able to feel the love and care that so many people had for him, the thousands that didn't know him personally, and the few who did. I also gather that the pain he felt inside, the worry about people, also let him create the most wonderfully tragic music... He looked a most handsome man outside and inside, if only he could have seen what others did see and feel about him, not just the horrible words they said, due to his style being different.
Thank you Mr. Steve Moretti and Mr. Paul Van Geldrop for sharing this great informational story of Pyotr's Life and Music!

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow, Wow... and WOW! Astounding writing! I felt every emotion. I heard every note.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Moretti brought Pyotr Tchaikovsky to life again. It certainly comes through loud and clear what a tortured soul he was. His music and his homosexuality appear to have completely overshadowed the rest of his life. The ending made me cry. Pyotr’s memories of his good times, his heartbreaks, his triumphs & his failures were poignant and beautifully done. Bravo!

I am almost completely musically illiterate, but even I could understand Paul van Geldrop’s explanations. I think his sections will be much appreciated by those who want to understand the nuts and bolts of composition.  Well done.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that make me smarter and are an engrossing read. This story fit that perfectly. I liked how the authors alternated chapters: Steve Moretti wrote about Tchaikovsky's troubled personal life and artistic genius. Paul van Geldrop dealt with his music, how it was perceived historically, and its impact on music in general, along with explaining some things about composition that was both interesting and easy to follow. The segue between chapters flowed smoothly. This book brought the man Pyotr Tchaikovsky and his music very powerfully to life. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.

[DeAnna Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and Educational

Creatively written so that one may either read about a dramatized version of his life, an analytical version that address musical composition, or both. Truly enjoyed.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve Moretti did it again, this book is another extraordinary book by him, flawlessly researched and completely engaging are adjectives that fit this book to perfection.
I'm a big fan of the music of Tchaikovsky but have to admit that I knew very little about his personal life, Mr. Moretti open my eyes to the music maestro's tortured soul, his lack of believing in himself and in how good his music was but mostly his homosexuality and having to live it in hiding.
The book alternates chapters between the live of Tchaikovsky by Steve Moretti and the music theory and how it applies to the music of Tchaikovsky by Paul van Geldrop, for the most part the chapters complement each other, although sometimes the music chapters felt a little to dense on the music theory aspect (as a disclosure I am a classical music lover and used to attending to classical music concerts), especially on the firsts music chapters.
But having said that, the musical explanations of Tchaikovsky's music help the book by educating the reader about it, making us feel like we were attending one of his music performances, whether a ballet, symphony or concerto.
This book brought to life the musical giant but also the complex man who was Tchaikovsky.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look at historic music

There is a lot of music and biographical information about this famous man, giving readers a chance to explore some new territory. This look into Pyotr Tchaikovsky 's life and trials left me with a deeper understanding of the relationship between our master composers and the performers whose lives are changed by the music. The chapters with analytical comments are very interesting and add a lot to the understanding of what was evolving.

[Irene]

I enjoyed this book as I have always loved the music created by Tchailkovsky, but knew nothing about the man himself. This enlightening book, with the musical insights about the time in which Tchailkovsky wrote his compositions written by Paul van Geldrop and the story of the composers life
supplied by Steve Moretti has given me new insights into his genius. I enjoy a book that entertains and educates at the same time. Hope many more books like this one are on the way.,

[Kathy Archambeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A musical Genius

Loved this great page turner about musician and composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, his music and personal life!
An amazing account of a very gifted , sensitive tortured soul!
Highly recommend this very informative and moving story of the Artists life

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review:
PYOTR: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF PYOTR ILLYICH TCHAIKOVSKY - Audiobook: Narrated by Paul van Geldrop and Tom McLean; 5 hours, 43 minutes. I know the music of Tchaikovsky but nothing of the man. I found his life interesting, as well as the difficulties he faced from many fronts; some from others, including his country Russia, and some from himself. I don't think the print version would be as interesting since the audiobook had two narrators, one personal, one technical, and the music of Tchaikovsky. Source: The author. 5*

THE STONE MISTRESS - Unsure of the correct title but a wonderful, creatively written story between the present and the past connecting two people through the centuries. Michael Angelo Thomas steps into Michelangelo's shoes by touching items that the great artist had also touched. Filled with wonderful characters, and not so good, the multiple story lines and the variety of events make for an entertaining read. The constant pace, the touches of romance, the discoveries, the lust and the betrayals makes this clean read hard to put down. A serendipitous find. Source: Booksprout. 4*

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed this audiobook very much. I liked that there was a chapter which was painting pictures of Pyotr's life, and then the next chapter was more informative, describing in detail subjects such as musical composition or just how the criticism from the authorities fit in with the times, etc. I loved that there were short segments of music which were interspersed within the chapters, and I decided that listening to the audiobook was the best way to experience this story. I was entertained by the dual narrations provided by Tom McLean and Paul van Geldrop, and their performances enhanced my enjoyment of the audiobook. I was given a copy of the audiobook through Spotify. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a glimpse into the composer’s life, but not necessarily the glimpse I wanted.

Audio is definitely the way to appreciate this book with excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s musical works included along with the text. I found myself inspired to listen to and play certain pieces after hearing parts during the book.

The good: lots of information, beautiful musical excerpts, and a peak into the composer’s life.

The bad: too much focus on the negative and the composer’s sex life. I do not know what the real composer was like, but the book makes him out to be a self loathing, pitiful man. Perhaps he was, but there is no doubting his genius, and I would have liked to see a character I could admire more.

Contains sex scenes.

[Anabela's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swan Lake will forever live inside my heart.

[Deane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much about his sex than his genious

[TAZIO ZAFFARONE · Rating 3 out of 5]

s

The end of the book and don’t describe how he died, where and where he rest in peace.
Good as well