Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Most popular Russian composer, master of melody
Most quoted
"I am passionately fond of the winter and I find that it has an invigorating effect on me until January; but from that time onwards I find the length of it unbearable."
— from Letter, 1878
"I would like with all the strength of my soul for my music to spread, for the number of people who love it, who find consolation and strength in it, to increase."
— from Letter, 1878
"There is no doubt that even the greatest musical geniuses have sometimes worked without inspiration. This guest does not always respond to the first invitation."
— from Letter, 1878
All quotes by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (387)
I am a Russian, and I am proud of it.
Truly, there is no greater joy than to compose music.
A symphony must be the expression of a profound idea, a great feeling, or a significant event.
I have not yet met a single person who is as devoted to music as I am.
Music is the most beautiful of all arts.
I am an artist, and I must be free.
The creative process is a mysterious and wonderful thing.
Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.
I write music because I cannot help it.
There are moments when I feel that I am a genius, and moments when I feel that I am nothing.
The artist must suffer to create.
I love my country, and I love its music.
Music is the language of the soul.
I am a man of sorrows, but I am also a man of hope.
The greatest joy in life is to create something beautiful.
I have never been able to understand why some people are so afraid of death.
Life is a struggle, but it is a beautiful struggle.
I believe in God, and I believe in the power of music.
The most important thing in life is to be true to yourself.
I am not a philosopher, but I am a musician.
Contemporaries of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Other Musics born within 50 years of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893).