Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky quotes

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a renowned Russian composer, famous for his expressive melodies and emotionally charged music. His works, including ballets like "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker," have become some of the most popular in classical repertoire. He inspired generations of musicians and remains a towering figure in classical music history. Here are 7 of his quotes:

What I need is to believe in myself again - for my faith has been greatly undermined; it seems to me my role is over.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

After the last notes of Gotterdammerung I felt as though I had been let out of prison.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Just as I was starting on my journey the idea came to me for a new symphony, this time with a program, but a program which will remain an enigma to all- let them guess it who can. It will be called "A Programmatic Symphony" (No. 6). During my trip, while composing in my mind, I frequently shed tears. When I got home I settled down to sketch it, and the work went so furiously that I had the first movement completely ready in less than four days and the remaining movements are already clearly outlined in my head. Half the third movement is already done. There will be much innovation of form in this symphony- and incidentally, the finale will not be a noisy allegro but, on the contrary, a long drawn-out adagio. You can't imagine what bliss I feel, being convinced that my time is not yet passed and I can still work. Perhaps, of course, I'm mistaken, but I don't think so.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

I played over the music of that scoundrel Brahms. What a giftless bastard! It annoys me that this self-inflated mediocrity is hailed as a genius.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

I am a Russian, Russian, Russian, to the marrow of my bones.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Fate... hangs over our heads like the sword of Damocles and inexorably distills a slow and deadly venom. One must bend to it and abandon oneself to boundless despair...

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky