Great Masters: Tchaikovsky - His Life and Music

De: Robert Greenberg, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Robert Greenberg

Although we often think of an artist's work as a window into their own inner world, that is not always the case.

In the life of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, however, we can see perhaps the closest link to be found anywhere between a creative product and the shifting moods of a turbulent soul, which found its outlet through the glorious music created by the great Russian composer.

To know his music, you must know the man, and this fast-moving series of eight lectures from an award-winning composer and accomplished teacher offers an insightful look into both the circumstances of Tchaikovsky's life and the impact that life had on his music. You'll learn about his fear of conducting, his disastrous marriage and subsequent suicide attempt, his depression, and the constant anxiety that his closeted homosexuality would become public-a fear that proved prophetic and led to a second, and successful, attempt to take his own life.

Torn by the conflicts between his own Romantic inclination for expression and the requirements of Classical structure - he was the first full-time, formally trained, professional composer in Russian history - Tchaikovsky's music is a delicate balancing act. Heart versus head, emotion versus reason, release versus control, the expressiveness demanded of his Russian soul and the strictures of Classical technique - all of these conflicts find their way into his music, and give it its extraordinary emotional power.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses

Informative and engaging, a true masterpiece

Robert Greenberg is about as good as it gets when it comes to delivering biographical information. His wit and enthusiasm for the subject matter is unparalleled. I would recommend anyone to read this book who doesn't believe classical music is the coolest thing ever!

Best Great Masters Course Ever!!!

This Great Masters Course on Tchaikovsky was such a wonderful blend of glorious music and history. The Author/Narrator’s delivery was so interesting and exciting that it kept me wanting more.

A good brief synopsis of Tchaikovsky and his music.

An interesting overview of the composer and his music, although I was surprised at the dismissive attitude towards the beautiful Manfred symphony. Tchaikovsky’s cause of death remains controversial and inconclusive with various theories put forward, and we cannot just accept Prof Greenberg’s narrative as conclusive. Although there are some interesting and funny anecdotes, and some humor is appreciated, there is also too much derision combined with over the top delivery.

audio was disappointing, but all else excellent

the narration bitrate sounded very low, which was annoying. but the inserted music didn't seem to have the issue.

I learned Tchaikovsky was gay 💗

Always a pleasure to listen to this series. Thank you Robert Greenberg for sharing your passion for teaching about music.