Piotr Tchaikovsky, Russian composer, started piano studies at five and soon showed remarkable gifts. He began to compose at age ten, and soon after was sent to the School of Jurisprudence where he remained for nine years. Tchaikovsky joined the faculty of the new Moscow Conservatory when it opened in September 1866 as a theory teacher. During his 11 years there, he composed his Piano Concerto no. 1 (1875), the ballet Swan Lake (1876), four operas, three symphonies, and many smaller works. Tchaikovsky was a very self-conscious man. Constantly doubting himself, he was often in states of depression and anxiety. There is also speculation that this had something to do with his undeclared homosexuality. Stylistically, his music maintains a Russian flair. But, unlike the “Russian Five,” Tchaikovsky’s style and tendencies fall more in line with the West, where he spent much of his later life composing.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... chaikovsky View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Composers • 1870s • Industrial Revolution • May 07 • Russia (Europe) • Taurus • People