He changed ballet forever,
And hid his wounds even longer.
Pyotr
The Life and Music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
by Steve Moretti and Paul van Geldrop
Living a lie could crush one’s spirit forever. But admitting the truth could be even worse.
Bestowed with a rare musical gift, but burdened by demons of self-doubt and passions forbidden in 19th century Russia, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky struggled to release the music inside his head.
And equally, to find romantic fulfillment that always remained just beyond his reach. He was deeply affected by the women in his life – those he loved, those he despised, and those whose affection he longed so badly to hold.
Yet, aside from music, his truest passion was reserved only for men.
Tchaikovsky refused to abide by the rules of the musical establishment of his time. Assailed by critics as being ‘neither Russian nor German,’ he endured scathing criticism which he often took to heart, destroying many of his own ‘imperfect’ compositions.
This compelling new work takes you inside the head of Pyotr – from age seven to his untimely death at fifty-three. It also provides a layman’s guide to his music and his musical influences, and the techniques Tchaikovsky used to chart his musical destiny.
Reader Comments:
Read Chapters 1 & 2 of Pyotr
Lesen Sie Kapitel 1 von Pjotr
English
Deutsche
Übersetzung aus dem Englischen: Catherine Collier
“I feel a huge respect for Pyotr, he follows his dreams, he puts things first that he needs to... he works very hard for his teachers, and they see and feel his inner music within his soul, that just bursts out! You have your way of making things your own, while entwining reality and truths.” - Tina Lincoln
“I just finished the sample of the book on Pyotr Tchaikovsky and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to the release of the entire book.” - Pat Stewart
“You are really bringing to life the story of this intriguing musical genius. I am dying to read the next part.” - Nevine Ramirez
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first 3 chapters of this book. It has caught my attention and interest. I am impatient to read the rest when it is out.” - Mary Peterson
“I was hoping for the same gentle, insightful prose as Song for a Lost Kingdom, and I wasn't disappointed. I felt the descriptive content was just right, giving a clear sense of the rather grim place that 19th century Russia was. I also liked the attention to clothes, weather, etc - things that IMO are essential to good storytelling but which other male writers often leave out! Above all you've set the scene for Tchaikovsky's tormented life to come.” - Marise Morland-Chapman
“I appreciated the intimate focus on Pyotr the most.” - Linda Frankel
“The words jump off the page to draw the reader in to the story, so you cry out in anguish and despair as your mother and sisters disappear in to the distance, leaving you all alone in a strange place, at such a tender young age; or wince in pain with lashings from the tutor. Intermittently, as a musician myself (albeit amateur), nodding in understanding as Pyotr describes how the music of Mozart moves him to tears, while the notes appear as pictures in his mind. More please!” - Gail Hart