Date of Award
Spring 4-26-2022
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
History and American Studies
Department Chair or Program Director
Claudine Ferrell
First Advisor
Steven Harris
Major or Concentration
History
Abstract
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is arguably Russia's most famous composer. Although his music is widespread, his immediate impact on Russian music in the 19th century is often overlooked or unknown by audiences. This paper examines what compositional and musical ideas Tchaikovsky used in his pieces and how he expressed them through his letters. Because of the relationships he had with his correspondents, Tchaikovsky had the means to develop and learn his unique compositional style. The most significant correspondents were his patroness Nadezhda von Meck, his brother Modest, and fellow composer Mily Balakirev. They enabled him to express and develop his musical beliefs. By utilizing these beliefs in his compositions, Tchaikovsky redefined what Russian music sounded like. This paper looks at these beliefs, applies them to his pieces, and discusses how he wrote about his ideas in his letters. Then, it discusses how these beliefs were influential on Russian composers who emerged following his death.
Recommended Citation
Morrison, Sydney, "Making Russian Music: Uncovering Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Musical Ideas through His Letters" (2022). Student Research Submissions. 452.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/452