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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 5: A Legendary Death

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

Episode 5

Episode 5: A Legendary Death

A Legendary Death

BBC Radio 3 - Composer of the Week, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), A Legendary Death

Exploring Tchaikovsky's last years and the rumours and theories surrounding his demise.

Donald Macleod focuses on Tchaikovsky's last years and the fantastical rumours and theories surrounding his demise.

Donald Macleod looks at Tchaikovsky last years and the fantastical rumours and theories surrounding his demise.

In his latter years Tchaikovsky was a living legend, accepted as one of the greatest musicians on the planet. The Tsar had awarded Tchaikovsky an annual allowance making life very comfortable and rewarding for him.

The unrest of his private life, in previous years, had largely settled but he was thrown by the abrupt ending of his friendship with his benefactor. The relationship, which was conducted through letters only, was ended by her with little explanation - this was something that troubled Tchaikovsky endlessly.

Compositions still flowed from him, producing what became some of the world's favourite music. Tchaikovsky travelled across Europe and to America to conduct and receive awards.

His funeral was a huge occasion in Moscow. As time passed, conjecture about the facts behind Tchaikovsky's death grew and grew to colossal proportions.

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 5: A Legendary Death

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