Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Pyotr Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer born in 1840. He wrote some of the most beautiful and exciting music ever. His ballet music for Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker is played every year around the world. Tchaikovsky had a gift for writing melodies that stay in your head. His music can make you feel happy, sad, excited, or dreamy all in one piece.

Ballet Music

Tchaikovsky wrote the music for three of the most famous ballets ever. Swan Lake tells the story of a princess turned into a swan. Sleeping Beauty is about a princess who falls into a deep sleep. The Nutcracker takes place at a magical Christmas Eve party. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker is one of the most recognized tunes in the world. These ballets are still performed every year.

Symphonies and More

Tchaikovsky also wrote symphonies, concertos, and operas. His 1812 Overture is famous for being so loud and exciting that it includes real cannons firing. His Piano Concerto No. 1 opens with one of the most powerful beginnings in all of classical music. Tchaikovsky poured his feelings into his music. You can hear sadness, joy, and longing in every note. He is one of the most popular classical composers of all time.

Fun Facts

• Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is sometimes performed with real cannons firing as part of the music.
• The Nutcracker ballet has been performed every Christmas season for over 100 years.
• Tchaikovsky was one of the first composers to use the celesta, a tiny keyboard that sounds like tinkling bells, in The Nutcracker.

Did You Know?

When Swan Lake was first performed in 1877, it was considered a flop, but today it is the most popular ballet in the world!