Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Timeline
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky by People
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a renowned Russian composer who lived from 1840 to 1893. He is best known for his contributions to classical music, including famous works like "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and the "1812 Overture." Tchaikovsky was one of the first Russian composers to gain international fame, and his music is celebrated for its strong emotion and technical skill. His work has had a lasting impact on both classical music and ballet, and continues to be performed and enjoyed worldwide today.
May 7, 1840
Birth of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in Votkinsk, Russia
He was born into a family of five brothers and one sister. His father was a mining engineer and his mother was of French origin. His mother's love for music, particularly the works of Mozart, would greatly influence his future career as a composer.
September 1, 1848
Start of Tchaikovsky's education at the Imperial School of Jurisprudence in Saint Petersburg
This marked the beginning of his formal education, which was not in music but in law. The Imperial School of Jurisprudence was a prestigious institution that trained future civil servants. Despite this, he maintained a strong interest in music throughout his studies.
June 28, 1859
Tchaikovsky begins his career as a civil servant in the Ministry of Justice
The renowned composer started his professional life in a very different field, working as a civil servant in Russia's Ministry of Justice. This was not an unusual path, as many young men from his social class pursued careers in government service. However, his passion for music would soon lead him in a different direction.
September 1, 1862
Tchaikovsky enrolls at the newly founded Saint Petersburg Conservatory to study music
At the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, he was taught by Anton Rubinstein, a famous pianist and composer. His studies there helped him develop his unique style, blending Russian and Western music. This education laid the foundation for his future success as a renowned composer.
Year 1866
Tchaikovsky begins teaching at the Moscow Conservatory
The Moscow Conservatory, where he began teaching, was a prestigious institution for music in Russia. His role was as a professor of music theory. This position allowed him to influence many young musicians while also providing him a steady income to support his own compositions.
March 4, 1877
Premiere of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'Swan Lake'
The premiere of 'Swan Lake' took place at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The initial reception was not favorable, largely due to poor staging and choreography. It wasn't until a revival in 1895, after the composer's death, that the ballet gained popularity.
July 18, 1877
Tchaikovsky marries Antonina Milyukova, a former student
The marriage was not a happy one, as the composer was a homosexual and he had no emotional connection with Antonina. They separated after just a few months and never lived together again. Despite this, they never officially divorced.
February 1, 1878
Tchaikovsky composes his famous Symphony No. 4
This symphony was written during a turbulent period in the composer's life, marked by his disastrous marriage and subsequent mental breakdown. The music reflects his personal struggles, with themes of fate and hope. It was met with mixed reviews upon its premiere, but has since become a staple in the classical music repertoire.
March 29, 1879
Premiere of Tchaikovsky's opera 'Eugene Onegin'
'Eugene Onegin' is an opera based on a novel by the famous Russian author, Alexander Pushkin. The premiere took place at the Maly Theatre in Moscow, Russia. The opera, which is in three acts, is considered one of the composer's most significant works.
August 20, 1880
Tchaikovsky composes '1812 Overture', one of his most famous works
The '1812 Overture' was created as a commemoration of Russia's defense against Napoleon's invading Grande Armée in 1812. It is known for its integration of cannons and church bells into the music, creating a dramatic and unique sound. The piece was first performed in Moscow in August 1882.
December 18, 1890
Premiere of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Nutcracker'
The Nutcracker ballet, set to music by the Russian composer, was first performed at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The original production was not a success, with critics and audience finding the ballet's story confusing and its choreography lackluster. However, it has since become one of the most famous and frequently performed ballets globally, especially during the Christmas season.
May 5, 1891
Tchaikovsky conducts the opening concert of Carnegie Hall in New York City
The Russian maestro led the orchestra in a performance that included his own compositions, marking a significant moment in the history of this renowned concert venue. This event was a testament to his international fame and the global appreciation of his music. His performance at Carnegie Hall helped to further establish it as a premier location for world-class music.
October 28, 1893
Premiere of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, 'Pathétique'
The Symphony No. 6, 'Pathétique', was the last symphony that the Russian composer completed. It was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia. The composer died nine days after its premiere, making this symphony his final testament.
November 6, 1893
Death of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in Saint Petersburg, Russia
The renowned composer passed away in Saint Petersburg, Russia, from a sudden and severe illness. His death was mourned by many, as he was a significant figure in the world of classical music. His works, including symphonies, operas, and ballets, continue to be celebrated worldwide.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a renowned Russian composer who lived from 1840 to 1893. He is best known for his contributions to classical music, including famous works like "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and the "1812 Overture." Tchaikovsky was one of the first Russian composers to gain international fame, and his music is celebrated for its strong emotion and technical skill. His work has had a lasting impact on both classical music and ballet, and continues to be performed and enjoyed worldwide today.
He was born into a family of five brothers and one sister. His father was a mining engineer and his mother was of French origin. His mother's love for music, particularly the works of Mozart, would greatly influence his future career as a composer.
This marked the beginning of his formal education, which was not in music but in law. The Imperial School of Jurisprudence was a prestigious institution that trained future civil servants. Despite this, he maintained a strong interest in music throughout his studies.
The renowned composer started his professional life in a very different field, working as a civil servant in Russia's Ministry of Justice. This was not an unusual path, as many young men from his social class pursued careers in government service. However, his passion for music would soon lead him in a different direction.
At the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, he was taught by Anton Rubinstein, a famous pianist and composer. His studies there helped him develop his unique style, blending Russian and Western music. This education laid the foundation for his future success as a renowned composer.
The Moscow Conservatory, where he began teaching, was a prestigious institution for music in Russia. His role was as a professor of music theory. This position allowed him to influence many young musicians while also providing him a steady income to support his own compositions.
The premiere of 'Swan Lake' took place at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The initial reception was not favorable, largely due to poor staging and choreography. It wasn't until a revival in 1895, after the composer's death, that the ballet gained popularity.
The marriage was not a happy one, as the composer was a homosexual and he had no emotional connection with Antonina. They separated after just a few months and never lived together again. Despite this, they never officially divorced.
This symphony was written during a turbulent period in the composer's life, marked by his disastrous marriage and subsequent mental breakdown. The music reflects his personal struggles, with themes of fate and hope. It was met with mixed reviews upon its premiere, but has since become a staple in the classical music repertoire.
'Eugene Onegin' is an opera based on a novel by the famous Russian author, Alexander Pushkin. The premiere took place at the Maly Theatre in Moscow, Russia. The opera, which is in three acts, is considered one of the composer's most significant works.
The '1812 Overture' was created as a commemoration of Russia's defense against Napoleon's invading Grande Armée in 1812. It is known for its integration of cannons and church bells into the music, creating a dramatic and unique sound. The piece was first performed in Moscow in August 1882.
The Nutcracker ballet, set to music by the Russian composer, was first performed at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The original production was not a success, with critics and audience finding the ballet's story confusing and its choreography lackluster. However, it has since become one of the most famous and frequently performed ballets globally, especially during the Christmas season.
The Russian maestro led the orchestra in a performance that included his own compositions, marking a significant moment in the history of this renowned concert venue. This event was a testament to his international fame and the global appreciation of his music. His performance at Carnegie Hall helped to further establish it as a premier location for world-class music.
The Symphony No. 6, 'Pathétique', was the last symphony that the Russian composer completed. It was first performed in St. Petersburg, Russia. The composer died nine days after its premiere, making this symphony his final testament.
The renowned composer passed away in Saint Petersburg, Russia, from a sudden and severe illness. His death was mourned by many, as he was a significant figure in the world of classical music. His works, including symphonies, operas, and ballets, continue to be celebrated worldwide.