Despite intense personal difficulties, Tchaikovsky becomes Russia's most fêted composer. Presented by Donald Macleod.
The disastrous marriage Tchaikovsky had entered into still cast a long shadow. His estranged wife had become pregnant by another man and dumped the child in an orphanage. Even though he could now divorce her easily Tchaikovsky still did not trust her not to make his homosexuality public.
There was more angst and heartache. His long-standing servant, with whom he had become deeply attached, was conscripted into the army, leaving Tchaikovsky bereft. Later his teacher and life-long friend Rubinstein died and then Tchaikovsky's sister became addicted to morphine.
Whilst his personal life remained turbulent, Tchaikovsky's musical career continued its trajectory. The new Tsar invited Tchaikovsky to write his coronation music, confirming him as Russia's pre-eminent composer.
00:01 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Moskva [Moscow] - coronation cantata for mezzo-soprano, baritone, chorus & orch Conductor: Andrew Litton Performer: Svetlana Furdui Performer: Dallas S O Performer: Dallas Symphony Chorus
00:12 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Serenade in C major Op.48 for string orchestra Conductor: Marco Boni Performer: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
00:24 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Trio in A minor Op.50 for piano and strings Performer: Gould Piano Trio
00:38 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Manfred symphony Op.58 Performer: See LONDON S O London Symphony Orchestra
First broadcast: 20 Aug 2015 (b065xh2h) http://vk.com/wall-71199334_92