Pyotr: The Life and Music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: He changed ballet forever and hid his wounds even longer.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was bestowed with a rare musical gift, but burdened by demons of self-doubt and passions forbidden in 19th century Russia.

He struggled to release the music inside his head. And equally, to find romantic fulfillment that always remained just beyond his reach. He was deeply affected by the women in his life – those he loved, those he despised, and those whose affection he longed so badly to hold. Yet, aside from music, his truest passion was reserved only for men.

Tchaikovsky refused to abide by the rules of the musical establishment of his time. Assailed by critics as being ‘neither Russian nor German,’ he endured scathing criticism, which he often took to heart, destroying many of his own ‘imperfect’ compositions.

This compelling new work takes you inside the head of Pyotr – from age seven to his untimely death at fifty-three. It also provides a layman’s guide to his music and his musical influences, and the techniques Tchaikovsky used to chart his musical destiny.

Reader comments:

“I love it! It's moving and makes me want to hear the music.”

"Flawlessly researched and completely engaging."

“You cry out in anguish as your mother and sisters disappear into the distance, leaving you all alone in a strange place, at such a tender young age; or wince in pain with lashings from the tutor.”

“As a musician myself, I nodded in understanding as Pyotr describes how the music of Mozart moves him to tears, while the notes appear as pictures in his mind.”

“I appreciated the intimate focus on Pyotr.”

“I felt compelled to play some Tchaikovsky after reading this, and settled on the first movement of the Manfred symphony.”

Go behind the scenes and journey into the life and music of one of the world’s most popular composers with Pyotr - The Life and Music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

© 2025 DWA Media (Audiobook): 9781778268632

Release date

Audiobook: 4 January 2025