Profile of the Day: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

On this day in 1840, famous Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born in Vyatka, Russia. Considered one of the most popular Russian composers in history, Tchaikovsky’s works included symphonies, concertos, operas, and ballets.

Image: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky / Library of Congress

Tchaikovsky began taking piano lessons at the age of five and showed an adept talent for music. Despite his passion, Tchaikovsky was educated for a career as a civil servant. He spent a short tenure as a clerk with the Ministry of Justice before leaving to to pursue his true passion. A prolific composer, Tchaikovsky’s work was well received by the public. Some of his most famous works are the ballets The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty.

Tchaikovsky died on November 6, 1893 at the age of 53. His death came just nine days after the premier of his Sixth Symphony, also known as the Pathétique Symphony. His final symphony would become one of his most celebrated masterpieces.

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