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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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Composer of the Week

Music: Classical

An informative guide to composers' lives and their music.

An informative and accessible guide to composers' lives and their music.

Composer of the Week: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Composer of the Week: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Episode 2

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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Episode 2

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), Episode 2

Donald Macleod focuses on the year 1881, a troubled period in Tchaikovsky's life.

Donald Macleod focuses on the year 1881, a troubled period for Tchaikovsky, who lost one of his greatest friends and champions. With a complete performance of the Piano Trio.

Even for this rootless 'lost decade', 1881 was a wretched year in the life of the composer - and Russia. As the nation was riven with domestic turmoil, following the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, Tchaikovsky also lost one of his greatest champions, the critic Nikolai Rubinstein. Last - but very much not least - the composer also had to deal with unwanted and relentless attentions of an obsessive young male fan.

In today's episode Donald Macleod presents perhaps Tchaikovsky's greatest chamber work - the Piano Trio, written in memory of his friend and colleague - as well as an excerpt from his glorious "All-Night Vigil", composed for the Russian Orthodox Church.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Donald Macleod investigates a little-known 'lost decade' in Tchaikovsky's life

Donald Macleod investigates a little-known 'lost decade' in Tchaikovsky's life - a period the composer spent aimlessly wandering around Europe writing songs, chamber works and religious choral music

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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Episode 2

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