185 Years Since the Birth of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Today, May 7, the world celebrates the 185th anniversary of the birth of the genius of Russian music, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Much has been written about Tchaikovsky by many. He was an extraordinary personality, a giant in terms of his contribution to musical culture. Into every genre of musical activity, he brought something new, personal, and imbued with a delicate worldview—deeply emotional and vivid. Tchaikovsky is one of those rare figures who feels closer to us with each passing year. He continues to win over more and more people. Through the high poetry of his music, one can hear the atmosphere of life in Russia at the end of the 19th century.

Tchaikovsky's musical legacy is immense: 10 operas, 6 symphonies, the tone poem "Manfred," 3 ballets, symphonic overtures, romances, chamber music, the famous piano concerto, and the "Children's Album" for piano. Beyond this, Tchaikovsky possessed remarkable literary talent. His epistolary heritage is extensive, including letters to family and cultural figures, as well as critical articles and reviews of recent events in the musical world, written by a masterful storyteller with lively, original thinking and impeccable style.

"I always strove to express as truthfully and sincerely as possible in music what was contained in the text," Tchaikovsky wrote in a letter to his student and colleague Sergei Taneyev regarding the success of his famous opera The Queen of Spades. "And so, having chosen a subject and begun composing the opera, I gave free rein to my feelings, without resorting to Wagner's prescriptions or striving to be original. At the same time, I did not prevent the spirit of the times from influencing me. I am aware that had Wagner not existed, I would have written differently. Probably, Italian music, which I passionately loved in childhood, and our great Glinka, whom I adored in my youth, greatly affected me—not to mention Mozart. But I never summoned any of these idols, allowing them to govern my musical core as they pleased."

In his later years, Tchaikovsky frequently performed in Europe and America as a conductor, primarily of his own works. These trips strengthened his ties with major European composers and musicians, such as Grieg, Dvořák, and Saint-Saëns. In 1891, Tchaikovsky inaugurated the newly built concert hall—Carnegie Hall in the United States.