Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Episode 5 of 5: A Legendary Death
Donald Macleod looks at Tchaikovsky last years and the fantastical rumours and theories surrounding his demise.
In his latter years Tchaikovsky was a living legend, accepted as one of the greatest musicians on the planet. The Tsar had awarded Tchaikovsky an annual allowance making life very comfortable and rewarding for him.
The unrest of his private life, in previous years, had largely settled but he was thrown by the abrupt ending of his friendship with his benefactor. The relationship, which was conducted through letters only, was ended by her with little explanation - this was something that troubled Tchaikovsky endlessly.
Compositions still flowed from him, producing what became some of the world's favourite music. Tchaikovsky travelled across Europe and to America to conduct and receive awards.
His funeral was a huge occasion in Moscow. As time passed, conjecture about the facts behind Tchaikovsky's death grew and grew to colossal proportions.
00:04 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Souvenir De Florence Op.70 For String Sextet - 4th movement; Allegro vivace Orchestra: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Conductor: Marco Boni
00:14 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 In B Minor Op.74 (Pathetique) Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
00:27 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Queen Of Spades [pikovaya Dama] - Opera In 3 Acts Op.68 -Act 1, sc.1; Ya imeni yeyo ne znayu (Herman's Arioso) Singer: Володимир Данилович Гришко Orchestra: Ukraine National S O Conductor: Сіренко Володимир Федорович
00:32 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker - Suite Op.71a - no.1; Miniature overture - no.2a; - no.2b; - no.2c; - no.2d; no.2e; -no.2f; no.3; Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker
00:54 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Sleeping Beauty - Ballet Op.66 - Act 1, no 6: The Waltz Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra Conductor: André Previn
First broadcast: 21 Aug 2015 (b065xhpg) http://vk.com/wall-71199334_92