Tchaikovsky: Turmoil and Triumph

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky created some of the most well-loved music of the classical repertoire, including Swan Lake, the Nutcracker Suite and the 1812 Overture as well as his wonderful symphonies and concertos. Yet the composer was haunted by self-criticism and the criticism of others all his life. This course examines the troubled life of this great composer and the passionate, intense music which came from his struggle. No prior musical knowledge is necessary.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Tchaikovsky’s Place in Music History
• The Romantic Period in Russia
• From childhood to professional musician
• Marriage and patronage: the women in Tchaikovsky’s life
• Tchaikovsky’s Symphonies & Concertos
• Romeo and Juliet
• Tchaikovsky’s ballets
• Tchaikovsky’s final years
• The 1812 Overture

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Describe elements of Tchaikovsky’s musical style
2. List some of Tchaikovsky’s major works, and describe their place in his musical output
3. Describe some of the major events of Tchaikovsky’s life