# Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Type: Trivia Card | Deck: Classical Composers | Rarity: Rare URL: https://gamifeye.com/trivia/classical-composers/pyotr-ilyich-tchaikovsky > Available languages: > - [English](https://gamifeye.com/trivia/classical-composers/pyotr-ilyich-tchaikovsky/llms.txt) > - [ไทย (Thai)](https://gamifeye.com/trivia/classical-composers/pyotr-ilyich-tchaikovsky/llms.txt?lang=th) # Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Type: Trivia Card | Deck: Classical Composers | Rarity: Rare Russian composer (1840-1893) who created iconic works including The Nutcracker (1892), Swan Lake (1877), 1812 Overture, and Sleeping Beauty, despite being deeply insecure about his compositions. Trained as a lawyer and worked as civil servant until age 21, then enrolled at Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1862. Key facts: - Received 13-year financial patronage from Nadezhda von Meck (1877-1890); exchanged 1,200+ letters but never met in person per mutual agreement - Struggled with depression, had week-long failed marriage due to wife's instability and his sexuality confusion - Died 1893, nine days after conducting Sixth Symphony ("Pathétique") premiere; official cause cholera, some historians suspect suicide - Considered The Nutcracker and 1812 Overture mediocre; Swan Lake initially flopped at premiere - Composed 1812 Overture in six weeks for money ## Trivia Questions Q1: What was Tchaikovsky's profession before becoming a full-time composer? A: Civil servant Q2: How long did Tchaikovsky take to compose his famous 1812 Overture? A: Three months Q3: What unusual arrangement did Tchaikovsky have with his patron Nadezhda von Meck? A: They only met once a year Q4: How did Tchaikovsky initially feel about The Nutcracker when it premiered in 1892? A: He considered it his masterpiece Q5: How many letters did Tchaikovsky exchange with his patron Nadezhda von Meck during their 13-year relationship? A: Over 500 Q6: What happened to Swan Lake when it first premiered in 1877? A: It was immediately acclaimed as a masterpiece Q7: What did Tchaikovsky tell his brother about his Sixth Symphony 'Pathétique'? A: It was written too quickly Q8: How long did Tchaikovsky's marriage last before it became impossible to continue? A: Several months --- Part of: [Classical Composers](/trivia/classical-composers) trivia deck More cards: [View all cards](/trivia/classical-composers/llms.txt)