Description

This scholarly resource, recognized as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title in 2003, comprises two volumes: the first serves as a thematic catalogue of works, a catalogue of photographs, and an autobiography, while the second includes a catalogue of letters and a bibliography. It stands as an invaluable reference for Tchaikovsky studies, meticulously documenting every known composition—both completed and incomplete—as well as his writings, correspondence, diaries, interviews, and photographs, complete with thumbnail images. This extensive bibliographical effort is poised to significantly enhance Tchaikovsky scholarship. Beyond basic bibliographical details, the catalogue of works provides insights into the context of each composition, its initial performances, arrangements for various instruments, manuscript locations and characteristics, publication history, and connections to other works that utilize similar melodic themes. The Tchaikovsky Handbook is essential for researchers, concert program annotators, and music libraries alike.