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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

Composer of the Week - Brand

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 4: Russia's Musical Hero

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Episode 4

Episode 4: Russia's Musical Hero

Russia's Musical Hero

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), Russia's Musical Hero

How, despite great personal difficulties, Tchaikovsky became Russia's most feted composer.

Donald Macleod explains how, despite intense personal difficulties, Tchaikovsky became Russia's most feted composer.

Despite intense personal difficulties, Tchaikovsky becomes Russia's most fêted composer. Presented by Donald Macleod.

The disastrous marriage Tchaikovsky had entered into still cast a long shadow. His estranged wife had become pregnant by another man and dumped the child in an orphanage. Even though he could now divorce her easily Tchaikovsky still did not trust her not to make his homosexuality public.

There was more angst and heartache. His long-standing servant, with whom he had become deeply attached, was conscripted into the army, leaving Tchaikovsky bereft. Later his teacher and life-long friend Rubinstein died and then Tchaikovsky's sister became addicted to morphine.

Whilst his personal life remained turbulent, Tchaikovsky's musical career continued its trajectory. The new Tsar invited Tchaikovsky to write his coronation music, confirming him as Russia's pre-eminent composer.

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 explores the life and work of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Donald Macleod explores the life and work of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. His output included symphonies, concertos, chamber music, operas and ballets

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Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Episode 4: Russia's Musical Hero

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