Pyotr

The Life and Music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

By: Steve Moretti, Paul van Geldrop

Narrated by: Tom McLean

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.

©2021 Steven Moretti, Paul van Geldrop (P)2024 Steven Moretti, Paul van Geldrop

The description of a man Tchaikovsky was. His personality, his values.

Highly recommend. It’s a very short book but covers the most important aspects of life and composition of the composer. Plus it’s pleasantly narrated!

I learned nothing about Tchaikovsky

Did not enjoy this. Half the chapters were essentially Tchaikovsky fan fiction that takes a lot of liberties and makes it impossible to discern what is true and what is fiction. The other chapters were unfocused music lessons. It’s very disjointed and unrewarding read.