Tchaikovsky's financial independence to compose full-time was made possible by Nadezhda von Meck, a rich widow who supported him without ever meeting him face to face.
Composer's Artistic Vision
These Eighteen Piano Pieces, Op. 72, are considered to be on a higher artistic level than mere 'pot-boilers' for amateurs, a quality reflected in their dedications.
Composer Biography
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, born in 1840, initially pursued a career in the Ministry of Justice before becoming a full-time music student at the new Conservatory of Music in St Petersburg.
Composition History
Tchaikovsky composed his Eighteen Piano Pieces, Op. 72, his last set of piano pieces, mainly in April 1893, just six months before his death.
Recording & Production
This recording was made at Wyastone Concert Hall, Monmouth, UK, between February 14-16, 2010, with Michael Ponder as producer and engineer.
Composition History
Each of the eighteen pieces in Op. 72 is dedicated to a different colleague, pupil, or friend of Tchaikovsky.
Performer Biography
Konstantin Shamray, the pianist on this recording, won the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2008, receiving six special prizes.
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