Tchaikovsky's empire A new life of Russia's greatest composer

Because Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840--93) is a greatly loved composer of classical music, and much has been written about him. However, he often comes across unrealistically as a melancholy and even tragic figure. Researching him in depth, Morrison (Princeton Univ.), a Russian-music specialist, found that the reality was quite different. Covering his whole life, the author shows us a hard-working, happy, and down-to-earth man, who effectively navigated the imperial system under which his artistry developed. His successful creation of works such as his operas, ballet music, the 1812 Overture (which he wrote for the tsar), and mature symphonies are detailed. Discussions of his relationship with Nadezhda von Meck, who supported him financially for many years, and the many commissions he received cast light on his sound financial situation. Controversies have recently arisen about his death, but Morrison avoids them and cites evidence that he died from cholera. Morrison's writing style is informal, but his careful research is evident, and he provides extensive scholarly endnotes to document it. This book belongs in academic music libraries and public libraries with extensive music collections. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals. --Donna Arnold, University of North Texas