Download staff recommendations - The Public Library of Cincinnati and

One City One Symphony Reading/Listening Guide
Compiled by Steve Kemple, Music Reference Librarian, Popular Library Department, Main Library
[email protected]
Biographies for Adults
Tchaikovsky: The Man & His Music - David Brown. Pegasus Books, 2007. 460 pgs. An excellent, readable biography
by the leading expert on Tchaikovsky. Written with the average listener in mind, the book is interspersed with
insightful discussions of the composer‟s works, including a chapter on the Fourth Symphony. Highly recommended
both as a biography and listening guide. http://cinlib.org/1fUxVSE
Tchaikovsky: A Biography - Anthony Holden. Random House, 1995. 490 pgs. Thanks to the repeal of Soviet-era
censorship and the opening of a trove of Tchaikovsky archives in Russia, the early 1990s saw a heightened public
interest in various details about the composer‟s life, particularly his sexual orientation. Holden‟s biography capitalizes
on this interest, slowly unraveling his life and death in the form of a meticulous and occasionally speculative exposé.
http://cinlib.org/1fUyKed
The Life & Letters of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky - Modest Tchaikovsky (edited & translated by Rosa Newmarch).
Lane, 1906. 782 pgs. (abridged). Shortly after the composer‟s death in 1893, the playwright Modest Tchaikovsky
undertook to write the definitive biography of his beloved older brother. His impeccable storytelling ability and flare for
the dramatic provides the reader with anecdotes only a sibling could tell, generously interspersed with letters and
writings by the composer. http://cinlib.org/1fUzcZV
Tchaikovsky in America: The Composer's Visit in 1891 - Elkhonon Yoffe. Oxford University Press, 1986. 216 pgs.
In the last two decades of his life Tchaikovsky was consumed by wanderlust, and wherever he travelled he was
received as an international celebrity. This fascinating book gives a detailed account of the American public‟s ecstatic
reaction to his arrival in 1891 as well as his subsequent--and continuing--impact on the American musical landscape.
http://cinlib.org/1fUzShP
Biographies for Kids
Tchaikovsky discovers America - Esther Kalman, Illustrated by Laura Fernandez & Rich Jacobson. Orchard
Books, 1995. 37 p. A fictional story told by eleven-year-old Jenny, writing in her diary about her encounter with the
famous composer who, like her, is seeing America for the first time. Beautifully illustrated with vivid, realistic oil
paintings. Ages 5-8. http://cinlib.org/1fUBEzM
Peter Tchaikovsky written & illustrated - Mike Venezia. Childrens Press, 1994. 32 p. A wacky, informative, and
delightful portrayal of the guy who decided it would be awesome to include actual cannons in the 1812 Overture. From
the “Getting to Know the World‟s Great Artists” series. Ages 7-9. http://cinlib.org/1fUC9cT
The Life & Times of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky - Jim Whiting. Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2005. 48 p. Written with more
advanced young readers in mind, this book goes into more detail about not only Tchaikovsky‟s life but also what it
was like to live in Russia during the late 19th century. Ideal for book reports. Ages 9-12. http://cinlib.org/1fUDeRX
Further Reading for Adults—Nonfiction
Romanov Riches: Russian Writers & Artists Under the Tsars - Solomon Volkov (translated by Antonia W. Bouis).
Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 285 pgs. A fascinating and highly readable look at the intersection of art and politics during
the nearly 300-year reign of the Romanov dynasty (1613-1917). Includes chapters on Tchaikovsky, Dostoyevsky,
Tolstoy, and more. http://cinlib.org/1aEova2
Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy - Douglas Smith. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 2012. 464
pgs. From the inside flap: “Examines the fate of two Russian aristocratic families in a detailed account of the
Bolshevik Revolution's effect on the upper class, discussing the relentless lootings, harrowing escapes, humbling
exile and imprisonment, and summary executions that took place during this violent time of transition.”
http://cinlib.org/1aEjIW5
The Russian City Between Tradition & Modernity - Daniel R. Brower. University of California Press, 1990. 253 pgs.
“Provides a comprehensive history of urban development in European Russia during the last half of the nineteenth
century.” http://cinlib.org/1dS8HCy
The Keys to Happiness : Sex & the Search for Modernity in fin-de-siècle Russia - Laura Engelstein. Cornell
University Press, 1992. 461 pgs. A nuanced description of the gender, class, and political climate in prerevolutionary
Russia, providing relevant context to Tchaikovsky‟s Symphony No. 4. Also sheds interesting historical insight on
present-day social issues in Russia. http://cinlib.org/169FG3u
Russia in Change, 1870-1945 - John Robottom. Longman, 1984. 96 pgs. A collection of source materials highlighting
Russia's development from the 1870s to the 1980s. http://cinlib.org/1aEkNxg
Beyond the Pale: The Jewish Encounter with Late Imperial Russia - Benjamin Nathans. University of California
Press, 2002. 424 pgs. From the inside flap: “A surprising number of Jews lived, literally and figuratively, „beyond the
Pale‟ of Jewish Settlement in tsarist Russia during the half-century before the Revolution of 1917. Thanks to the
availability of long-closed Russian archives, along with a wide range of other sources, Benjamin Nathans reinterprets
the history of the Russian-Jewish encounter.” http://cinlib.org/16aZiEi
Further Reading for Adults—Fiction
The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (translated by Constance Garnett). Macmillan, 1912. 838 pgs.
Written during the same year as Symphony No. 4, Dostoyevsky‟s sprawling literary masterpiece approaches many of
the same themes as Tchaikovsky‟s symphony: fate, existential anguish, and the birth of modernity.
http://cinlib.org/1aEluX8
The Mirrored World - Deborah Dean. Harper, 2012. 245 pgs. From the inside flap: “A breathtaking novel of love and
madness set in 18th century Russia. Transporting readers to St. Petersburg during the reign of Catherine the Great,
Dean brilliantly reconstructs and reimagines the life of St. Xenia, one of Russia‟s most revered and mysterious holy
figures, in a richly told and thought-provoking work of historical fiction that recounts the unlikely transformation of a
young girl, a child of privilege, into a saint beloved by the poor.” http://cinlib.org/16apjUf
The Master of Petersburg - J.M. Coetzee. Viking, 1994. 250 pgs. From the inside flap: “In the fall of 1869 Fyodor
Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, lately a resident of Germany, is summoned back to St. Petersburg by the sudden death of
his stepson, Pavel. Half crazed with grief, stricken by epileptic seizures, and erotically obsessed with his stepson's
landlady, Dostoevsky is nevertheless intent on unraveling the enigma of Pavel's life.” http://cinlib.org/18GW1uS
The Russians (book series) - Michael Phillips. 6-book series that “follows the friendship of a peasant girl and the
daughter of a prince and Imperial minister in Russia during the 1870s.” http://cinlib.org/18GVzNl
Further Reading for Teens
Amiri & Odette: A Love Story - poem by Walter Dean Myers, paintings by Javaka Steptoe. Scholastic Press, 2009.
40 pgs. Contemporary urban retelling of the story of Tchaikovsky‟s ballet Swan Lake. http://cinlib.org/1g0LUX7
Good-bye to the Trees - Vicky Shiefman. Atheneum, 1993. 150 pgs. From the inside flap: “Despite the excitement and
confusion of her new life in America, thirteen-year-old Jewish immigrant Fagel can‟t forget the family she left behind in
Russia.” http://cinlib.org/1g0M00Z
Broken Song - Kathryn Lasky. Viking, 2005. 154 pgs. From the inside flap: “In 1897, fifteen-year-old Reuven Bloom, a
Russian Jew, must set aside his dreams of playing the violin in order to save himself and his baby sister after the rest
of their family is murdered.” http://cinlib.org/1g0M2pE
The Curse of the Romanovs - Staton Rabin. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2007. 273 pgs. From the inside flap: “In
1916, teenage hemophiliac and heir to the Russian throne, Alexei Romanov, escapes into the future to elude the
murderous Rasputin, and meets his modern-day cousin, fifteen-year-old Varda, who is working on a cure for
hemophilia and who wants to help change history by saving his family.” http://cinlib.org/1g0MLqU
The Lost Crown - Sarah Miller. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011. 412 pgs. From the inside flap: “In
alternating chapters, Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia tell how their privileged lives as the
daughters of the tsar in early twentieth-century Russia are transformed by world war and revolution.”
http://cinlib.org/1g0N7xE
Further Reading for Kids
Russia of the Tsars - James E. Strickler. Lucent Books, 1998. 96 pgs. From the inside flap: “Describes the history of
Russia under the tsars, from its beginnings before 1598 to the Revolution of 1917.” Perfect for advanced readers,
book reports, and aspiring Tsars. Ages 12 & up. http://cinlib.org/16b0wQ4
Russia - Nel Yomtov. Children’s Press, 2013. 144 pgs. Beautifully illustrated with recent photographs of people and
places in Russia. From the inside flap: “Explores Russia, including the geography, people, education, rural and urban
life, housing, food, work, and amusements, and provides other information about the country.” Ages 9-12.
http://cinlib.org/1eVvaBy
I-Know-Not-What, I-Know-Not-Where: A Russian Tale - adapted by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Robert Sauber.
Holiday House, 1994. 63 pgs. From the inside flap: “A retelling of a Russian fairy tale in which an archer assigned
many dangerous quests by the greedy, cruel czar wins a crown and the woman of his dreams.” Ages 6-10.
Masha & the Bear: A Story From Russia. - retold by Lari Don, illustrated by Melanie Williamson. Barefoot Books,
2013. 48 pgs. From the inside flap: “Held captive in the woods by a bear, a young Russian girl cleverly finds a way to
return safely home to her family.” Ages 3-6 http://cinlib.org/1hgEXis
Documentaries & Films
In the Footsteps of Tchaikovsky. 2007, 52 min. DVD. Visit the places Tchaikovsky lived and worked while learning
about his life and experiencing excerpts of his music, performed by the St. Petersburg Conservatory.
http://cinlib.org/1fUEIvH
Pytor Il’yich Tchaikovsky: Hopeless Romantic. 1999, 30 min. VHS. This short made-for-TV documentary explores the
personal life of Tchaikovsky as revealed in some of his most famous works, including Symphony no. 4.
http://cinlib.org/1fUFXLa
Russia: The Land of the Tsars. History Channel, 2003. 200 min. DVD. “The definitive exploration of Russia's imperial
past: its origins, leaders, wars and politics. Using exclusive interviews and historical reenactments, this film spans one
thousand years of Russian history. Disc 2 includes three Biography episodes.” http://cinlib.org/16amylS
Russian Ark. 2002. 96 min. DVD. Feature film. “A modern filmmaker magically finds himself transported to the 18th
century where he embarks on a time-traveling journey through 300 years of Russian history. The first feature film ever
created in a single take.” http://cinlib.org/16ampPp
CDs (Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 4)
Daniel Barenboim, conductor ; Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Teldec, 1997. Also contains Romeo & Juliet.
Recorded at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, January/February 1997 & October 1995. http://cinlib.org/1fUHktv
Mariss Jansons, conductor ; Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. Chandos, 1988. 7 CD set containing all 6 of
Tchaikovsky‟s symphonies as well as Capriccio italien (op. 45) & Manfred symphony (op. 58). Recorded between
1984 and 1986, Oslo Philharmonic Concert Hall. http://cinlib.org/16NhFuS
Herbert von Karajan, conductor ; Berliner Philharmoniker. Deutsche Grammophon, 1999. 2 CD collection of works
by various composers conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Recorded October 1966, Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin.
http://cinlib.org/19amBRa
Rafael Kubelik, conductor ; Vienna Philharmonic. Seraphim (dist. by EMI Classics), 1997. Also contains excerpts
from the Nutcracker Suite. http://cinlib.org/19anlWm
Lorin Maazel, conductor ; Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Telarc, 1993. Also contains Romeo & Juliet. Recorded at
Masonic Auditorium, Cleveland Ohio, May 14, 1979. http://cinlib.org/1fUI7uv
Willem Mengelberg, conductor ; Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. Music & Arts, 1994. Also contains
Symphony nos. 5 & 6, Romeo & Juliet, and the waltz from Serenade for Strings (op. 48). Recorded June 1929.
http://cinlib.org/16Nn0SW
Mikhail Pletnev, conductor ; Russian National Orchestra. Deutsche Grammophon, 1996. 5 CD set containing all 6 of
Tchaikovsky‟s symphonies. Recorded at Moscow Conservatory, Great Hall, April 1995. http://cinlib.org/16Ngb3N
Riccardo Muti, conductor ; Philharmonia Orchestra. EMI, 1986. http://cinlib.org/1fUIg11.
George Szell, conductor ; London Symphony Orchestra. Decca, 2005. Recorded between Sept. 1951 and Dec. 1969.
5 CD collection of works by various composers conducted by George Szell. http://cinlib.org/16NjMyK
Further Listening
** = highly recommended
Gloria Dei Cantores. Sacred songs of Russia. Paraclete Press, 1999. Nineteenth century religious choral music
composed by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Smolensky, and others. http://cinlib.org/19apMIK
Arthur Fiedler, conductor ; Boston Pops Orchestra. Pops Caviar. RCA Victor, 1995 (orig. released 1958). Suave
renditions of classic works by Russian composers, perfect for Cold War cocktail parties. http://cinlib.org/19aubeC
** Fred Hersch, piano & arranger. Red Square Blue: Jazz Impressions of Russian Composers. EMI, 1993. Unusual
jazz arrangement of the Canzona from Symphony no. 4 as well as similar arrangements of works by Rachmaninoff,
Scriabin, Rimsky-Korsakoff, Gliere, Liadov, and Mussorgsky. http://cinlib.org/19akVam
** Ivan Paisov & Natalia Scherbakova. The Russian Oboe. Naxos, 2008. Arrangements for piano and oboe of works
by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov and others. A terrific CD. http://cinlib.org/19atZw2
Alexei Parshin. The Organ of the Great Hall of Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. A-ram/Psallite, 2000. Various
Russian classical works performed on the organ in Tchaikovsky‟s namesake musical institution.
Red Army Choir. The Most Beautiful Folk Songs of Russia. ARC Music Productions, 2009. You can learn a lot about
a country by listening to their traditional folk songs. Even without understanding a word of Russian, these songs open
the door to a deeper understanding of Tchaikovsky‟s Russia. Accompanied by modern-day instruments.
http://cinlib.org/19aoUnl
** Russian Druzhina Ensemble. Russian Folk Songs. Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga, 1993. All your favorite Russian folk
songs, including “I am walking, walking”, “There is a snow storm”, “Ah, you winter, dear winter”, “Oh, frost, frost”, and
many more. http://cinlib.org/19at9PO
** Russian Music & Revolution, 1890-1917. Sony Classical, 1999. Provides a unique and fascinating perspective on
the musical, social, and political climate in Russia in the decades following Tchaikovsky‟s death in 1893.
http://cinlib.org/19algd3
** Jeremy Siepmann. Peter Il’yich Tchaikovsky. Naxos Multimedia, 2002. An immersive 4-hour dramatic telling of the
life and works of Tchaikovsky, with theatrical narration by Jeremy Siepmann and a cast of voice actors. Includes
spoken excerpts from Tchaikovsky‟s letters and diaries. http://cinlib.org/19auHcw
Soviet & Russian Marches. Musical Heritage Society, 1997. Sit back and let the USSR Ministry of Defence Brass
Band spice up your Cold War cocktail party. http://cinlib.org/19awlLg
Leopold Stokowski, conductor ; Philadelphia Orchestra. A Russian Spectacular. Dutton Laboratories, 1994.
Works by Mussorgsky and Borodin, perhaps coincidentally recorded during the centennial year of Tchaikovsky‟s birth
(1940). http://cinlib.org/19awr5F
Evgeny Svetlanov, conductor ; USSR Symphony Orchestra. Orchestral Pictures from Russia. Melodiya/BMG
Classics, 1997. An orchestral celebration of the Russian motherland. Includes a spellbinding rendition of
Mussorgsky‟s Night on Bald Mountain. http://cinlib.org/19augih
Vesna Children’s Choir. Children Singing for Children Vol. 1: Russian Sacred Music. Opus 111, 1995. A beautiful
recording, includes several religious works by Tchaikovsky.