When he finally made it to the podium, he looked like a man who would rather be anywhere else. I could see from the moment Pyotr Ilyich appeared he was a nervous wreck … He walked on between the orchestra’s desks hunched up, as if he didn’t want anyone to see him. According to Tchaikovsky’s friend and eyewitness Nikolay Kashkin, Tchaikovsky, as usual, was obliged to hold his head in place with his left hand while he conducted with his right: In 1868, the 28 year-old Tchaikovsky conducted his own Dances of the Hay Maidens. Yes: this is a serious neurosis about which I kid you not. Early on, he became obsessed with the fear that his head was going to fall off while he conducted. And given that he was as jittery as a super model without her drugs, he was not a particularly good conductor as a young man. He was a better conductor, or at least he turned himself into a better conductor over time.īy his own admission, Tchaikovsky hated to conduct. Tchaikovsky was a competent pianist, but no more. Being able to conduct allows a composer to perform her works written for larger ensembles. Being able to at least “get around” a piano keyboard allows a composer to actually hear her music as she writes being a good pianist allows a composer to actually play her music to others. ![]() I would suggest that the two most important musical skills a composer should have – aside from competence at composing – are being able to play the piano and being able to conduct. The trip was intended as business, not pleasure: Tchaikovsky had ventured forth to America to conduct concerts of his own works. The event: on Ap– 126 years ago this coming Wednesday – the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) arrived in New York City, there to begin his one-and-only stay in the United States. ![]() As a result, this week’s “Music History Monday” is, in fact, “Music History Wednesday”, as we turn to April 26 for the event that powers today’s post. He was received and reviewed like a visiting God.” Portrait of composer and conductor Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, 1840-1893.īoth the dates April 24 and 25 are bereft of significant musical events. “Tchaikovsky’s American tour was a smash for everyone involved.
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