The Life and Letters of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

by Modest Ilyich Tchaikovsky

The present volume, translated from the monumental Russian biography by the composer's brother, is the result of a careful selection of material. The leading idea which the editor has kept in view has been to preserve as far as possible the autobiographical character of the book, preferring to let Tchaikovsky himself tell the story of his life. This title is cited and recommended by Books for College Libraries.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Russia

Unknown Binding

First published September 1, 1970

Reviews

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable biography of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This can be attributed to the vast amount of correspondence that makes up the book as well as the voice of Modeste Tchaikovsky, resulting in a very personalized and intimate portrait of the great composer.

[Ngân Trần Triệu Thanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently watched The Nutcracker ballet with my parents and we loved it so much that I had to pick this biography up to learn more about Tchaikovsky - the composer of The Nutcracker's music. Honestly speaking, this book is quite dull to read if you don't really know or love Tchaikovsky (esp some of the letters here are very hard to digest) but imagine spending your winter break reading this book while having Tchaikovsky's concerto (piano or violin, it's your choice) in the background: that's a new definition of the word 'perfection'.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read

Probably for anyone interested in the people involved- or the time- or...
If like me you read them and do end up with many an "aha" or "did not know that" moment, I do also recommend a few things if you can in light of the fact that this is a 1905 translation/abridgment of a larger 1902 edition.
Should be supplemented by more recent urtext of the composer's letters, for instance, or at least-
Access to the website Tchaikovsky Research which contains- much more than you might think. Better translations of his diary entries than here, say.
Definitely 4 stars for this, not 3, for all of what is still here- it seems more 5-but..., even.

[t o n y]

»The most romantic episode of Tchaikovsky's life — his friendship extending over thirteen years with a woman [...]«
this is ridiculous

[L.C. Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read about the life of this music giant. Made me appreciate his music much more.