Tchaikovsky: Turmoil and Triumph
1 day or 4 weeks
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky created some of the most well-loved music of the classical repertoire, including Swan Lake, the Nutcracker Suite and the 1812 Overture as well as his wonderful symphonies and concertos. Yet the composer was haunted by self-criticism and the criticism of others all his life. This course examines the troubled life of this great composer and the passionate, intense music which came from his struggle. No prior musical knowledge is necessary.
Course Outline
Session 1
- What do we think of when we think of Tchaikovsky?
- Tchaikovsky’s Place in Music History
- Social and Historical Background: The Romantic Period
- The Romantic Period in Russia
- Tchaikovsky’s Musical Style
- The Nutcracker Suite
Session 2
- The Early Years
- Boarding school
- Public Servant
- Professional Musician
- The First Symphony
- Romeo and Juliet
Session 3
- Tchaikovsky’s Marriage
- Nadezhda von Meck
- Swan Lake
- The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Symphonies
- Eugene Onegin
- The First Piano Concerrto
- The Violin Concerto
Session 4
- The Liturgy of Saint John Chrisostom
- Sleeping Beauty
- The 5th and 6th Symphonies
- The Queen of Spades
- The Nutcracker Suite
- Tchaikovsky’s final years
- The 1812 Overture
Buy the course notes for this class
In hard copy book form, through Lulu Press$22 + postage