Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (chai-KOV -skee), is probably the most famous Russian composer. He wrote ballets, symphonies, overtures, concertos, and operas. His ballets are especially captivating for children. Most children love the music of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

Tchaikovsky’s love of music began early in childhood. He listened to music on a music box and played the melodies on the piano. He began piano lessons when he was five. He was a very sensitive child. Once, going to bed after a concert, he was crying. When asked why he was crying, he said, “The music won’t leave my head. It won’t let me go to sleep.”

He preferred to be by himself, to play the piano, to read or write poetry. As an adult, he was also uncomfortable around other people. One of his greatest friendships was maintained by letters for thirteen years with a person he never met, Madame von Meck.

Tchaikovsky's parents sent him to law school so he'd be able to support himself. Like Schumann, he decided he liked musicians better than lawyers, so he enrolled in music at the St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia. He ended up broke, as was the case with many musicians. He tried to make money teaching, which wasn’t much better. However, he was lucky. A rich widow (Madame von Meck) decided that she loved his music and offered to give him an allowance for the rest of his life. He was free to devote all his time to composing and beautiful music flowed from his pen. Tchaikovsky dedicated his Fourth Symphony to Madame von Meck.

Tchaikovsky's beautiful melodies are enveloped in a rich, romantic warmth. Unlike many composers, he enjoyed recognition and great popularity while he was still living. One of the highlights of his life was conducting his 1812 Overture at the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1891.