Tchaikovsky Nearly all famous composers up to the time of Tchaikovsky had at least one tragic event or circumstance in their life. Unfortunately for him, Peter Tchaikovsky had several and these misfortunes plagued Peter all his life. Many of Tchaikovsky's works reflect the tragedy of his life. Suffering and depression became almost commonplace for him. Despite the obstacles he faced, however, Peter Tchaikovsky became a world renowned composer in his own time and still holds great fame today. Born in Russia in 1840, Tchaikovsky did not receive early instruction in music nor did his parents attempt to enhance his natural ability, unlike some of his predecessors. Instead, Peter's father desired that his son become a successful lawyer and so Tchaikovsky attended law school at his father's behest. However, Tchaikovsky soon dropped out and began striving for a career in music. His first job came as a teacher at a new Moscow conservatory. While he may have had a job, Tchaikovsky was still stone broke and desperately needed funds. Coming to his aid was a wealthy widow, Madame Nadezhda von Meck. Upon hearing Peter's music, the Madame instantly fell in love with it and began to send Tchaikovsky an annual allowance which greatly eased the young musician's life. Oddly, though, the two mutually agreed only to correspond via letter and to never meet in person. …show more content…
After or amid great bouts with depression and suffering, Peter often wrote light-hearted, happy pieces. Tchaikovsky became famous for symphonies and ballets, including The Nutcracker. As he waged his inner battles, his fame spread among the whole world. In 1891, Tchaikovsky conducted the gala opening concert of Carnegie Hall. Despite his immense popularity, however, Tchaikovsky could never shake the tragedies that haunted him. His last piece, Symphony No. 6, reflects his internal suffering and shortly after its first performance, Tchaikovsky died of