Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Music Russian 1840 – 1893 387 quotes

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)

My life is a constant struggle between the desire for solitude and the need for human society.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1879

I have never in my life felt so much in love with my work as I do now.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1880

Music is indeed the most beautiful of all arts.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1880

I am an artist, and I must create.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1881

I am a Russian, and I love my country with all my heart.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1882

I am a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1883

I live only for my music.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1884

I am a composer, and I must compose.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1885

I am a recluse by nature.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1887

I am a dreamer, and I live in a world of my own.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1888

I am a pessimist by conviction, but an optimist by temperament.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1889

I am a man of contradictions.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1890

I am a lonely man.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1891

I am a simple man, and I love simple things.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1892

I am a child of nature.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1893

I am a wanderer.

Diary entry 1876

My nerves are completely shattered.

Letter to Anatoly Tchaikovsky 1877

I am writing this in a state of complete exhaustion.

Letter to Modest Tchaikovsky 1877

I feel a great longing for home.

Letter to Alexandra Davydova 1878

I am working with great enthusiasm.

Letter to Nadezhda von Meck 1879