Which great composer received the title of the first Russian to gain international fame? Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky created beautiful music that still bears his name today. He contributed to the great romantic era with the authenticity of his compositions. Having a tough life, he persevered and didn't let circumstances stop him. Learning about his life, his music, and his worldview offers a comprehensive view of Tchaikovsky. Born in 1840 in Russia, Tchaikovsky entered his family as the second son of a mining engineer and his wife. Growing up, he never showed notable musical talents and went to school to become a lawyer. After listening to a piece by Mozart, a musical love was awakened. Going to study at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and later at the Moscow Conservatory, he concentrated his efforts on composition. He saw it as a way to escape his troubled life. At 29 he composed his first opera, Romeo and Juliet. Continuing to work on his music, at the age of 37 he married one of the students of the Moscow Conservatory. The marriage, however, did not work out and Tchaikovsky tried to break up...