Tchaikovsky through Others' Eyes (Russian Music Studies) [Hardcover]

Alexander Poznansky (Editor), Ralph C. Burr Jr. (Translator), Robert Bird (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 22, 1999 | Series: Russian Music Studies

"... intriguing collection... a recommended study for anyone interested in the habits and personalities of great minds." —ForeWord

This compilation of reminiscences about Tchaikovsky the man is unprecedented in English. The memoirs, diary entries, and interviews written and conducted by his contemporaries show us both the public and the private figure: the law student, the professor, the philanthropist, the loving brother and uncle, the intrepid traveler, and of course the composer and conductor. In more than 50 documents—some laudatory, others not—Tchaikovsky's contemporaries speak of little-known facets of the composer's life: foibles and mannerisms, politics and tastes, prejudices and preferences (sexual and otherwise). The result is a dynamic portrayal of the composer, with all the complexities and paradoxes of a real life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is Poznansky's third book on Tchaikovsky in one decade and—like its two well-received predecessors, Tchaikovsky: The Quest for the Inner Man (CH, Jun'92) and Tchaikovsky's Last Days (CH, Apr'97)—it deals not at all with the music but with the man and his milieu. Poznansky (Yale) divides the book into ten essentially chronological chapters, ranging from descriptions of the composer as a schoolboy to reactions to his untimely death. At the heart of each chapter are contemporaneous comments and journalistic writings; each chapter begins with an essay by Poznansky, in which he sets the scene for the era and describes the reliability—sometimes nonreliability—of those making the comments. Given the chronological order of presentation, the essays constitute a selective biography of the composer. This book serves as a companion to Alexandra Orlova's somewhat flawed compilation of writings by the composer himself (Tchaikovsky: A Self-Portrait, comp. by Alexandra Orlova, CH, Jun'91). Poznansky's project also benefits from the assistance of two experienced translators. Materials concerning Tchaikovsky have been subject to longstanding suppression, and documentation remains to published, especially in translation. Copious endnotes and a reliable index complete the volume, which this reviewer recommends to anyone interested in this composer." —R. Stahura, Ripon College, Choice, November 1999

(R. Stahura, Ripon College Choice 1999)

About the Author

Alexander Poznansky's many publications on Tchaikovsky include Tchaikovsky's Last Days: A Documentary Study and Tchaikovsky: The Quest for the Inner Man.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (April 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253335450
• ISBN-13: 978-0253335456
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #816,076 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Tchaikovsky

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best kind of biography. A scholar's delight., July 27, 1999

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This review is from: Tchaikovsky through Others' Eyes (Russian Music Studies) (Hardcover)

This is a marvelous book about Tchaikovsky compiled of diary entries from his contemporaries with commentaries and analysis by Alexander Poznansky. It is the best kind of biography that makes him seem very real, coming to life off the page. It begins in his school years and continues with a variety of rare diaries and letters of people who came in contact with him and kept journals or notes. It covers the entire social range from princes to valets, so we get quite a variety of observations from the intellectual esoteric to the very "earthy." We see not only Tchaikovsky the great composer, but also the student, the philosopher, the scholar, the workman, the card player, the bon vivant, the unsuitable suitor. It also includes explanations and diaries of his ill-fated marriage and many details of his rich personal life. The conflicts and turning points of Tchaikovsky's career and life are well illustrated. Each chapter is chronologically organized with often the inclusion of several diarists, most of whom are included in the copious illustrations. Poznansky begins each chapter with a biographical essay describing the importance of the contributor and the events of Tchaikovsky's life. The comprehensive scholarship is impeccable and the style superb. Poznansky is one of the only serious scholars, who can put together a well researched biography with style, flair and clarity that will satisfy the most stringent musicologist, while also entertaining and moving any Tchaikovsky admirer.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...suppressed by melancholy..., April 17, 2007

By 

Mr Bassil A MARDELLI "Antoun" (Riad El-SOLH , Beirut Lebanon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchaikovsky through Others' Eyes (Russian Music Studies) (Hardcover)

Tchaicovsky was highly melancholy and controversial figure; his personality -pessimist - appeared to be every bit less fascinating than the music he composed with consummate mastery.

Tchaicovsky mixed feelings towards his male and female lovers revealed profound dissatisfaction in him and remained in search of personal happiness that he never found (which made himself infirm of purpose, something of a miserable grasshopper jumping from adventure to another). His story does not fall within the scope of the sentiments, nostalgias or the occasions of pride prevalent among the other composers.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tchaikovsky Through Others' Eyes, July 9, 2007

By 

Logan M. Lockabey - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tchaikovsky through Others' Eyes (Russian Music Studies) (Hardcover)

This is a fascinating look at one of music's controversial composers seen through the eyes of his friends, his teachers, his classmates, etc. etc. Some of the articles have never been published before and lend a great look into Tchaikovsky's real life. An excellent book.