Pyotr Illych Tchaikovsky was born on May 7, 1840 into a prominent family; he was one of 7 children. He had a passion for music from a young age, but his parents wanted him to find a profession that would provide him with both a livelihood and social status. For this reason, Tchaikovsky was sent to school at the age of ten. Around this age, his mother died, leaving him extremely distressed and confused. He struggled to cope with his loss and reportedly considered it one of the most difficult and troubling times of his life. Returning to school, Tchaikovsky continued his studies and worked to become a civil servant, a profession in which he progressed quickly but became increasingly dissatisfied with his profession. He was extremely interested in music and was fortunate to have a supportive father who wanted him to excel in this profession. Tchaikovsky studied music theory with Nikolai Zaremba in Saint Petersburg. It was here that Tchaikovsky developed both an understanding of technical composition and a respect for Western European style. After graduating, he got a teaching job in Moscow at the newly opened Conservatory. Tchaikovsky became a music critic, which gave him the opportunity to travel and truly develop his style. Although critically acclaimed in his time and in our times, Tchaikovsky's life was marked by various episodes of deep depression and confusion. He was a musical giant plagued by personal feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment. Although his works did not correspond to Western European progressivism, he went beyond the traditional and nationalist themes expressed by other Russian composers of his time. Tchaikovsky found himself between Russian nationalists and Western composition...... middle of paper ......ikovsky certainly had his demons. He constantly struggled with depression, caused in part by confusion over his sexuality and his misinterpretations of love. Tchaikovsky was married to Antonina Miliukova for a very long time, just under 3 months. He was constantly haunted by his homosexual tendencies, illegal by law and frowned upon by his culture. It is certain that he had several homosexual partners, for whom he undoubtedly felt some guilt. Although he may never have overcome his sexual confusion, Tchaikovsky accepted it. Tchaikovsky knew how to harness his emotions and direct them in his works, making him a composer with whom many performers and listeners can identify. After 53 short years of life, Tchaikovsky died on November 6, 1893; his magnificent career was abruptly interrupted by a suspected case of cholera.