Composer · 1840 – 1893
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Little-Known Facts
- He trained first as a civil servant before committing fully to music at the new Saint Petersburg Conservatory.
- For years he was supported by a wealthy patron, Nadezhda von Meck, whom by agreement he never met in person.
Myths & Misconceptions
Was The Nutcracker an immediate success?
No. The ballet received a lukewarm reception at its 1892 premiere and only later became a worldwide holiday favourite.