Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is the most popular and beloved Russian composer both at home and in the world. His melodies get right into the soul and are remembered for a lifetime. Tchaikovsky's genius was influenced by many musical genres – opera, ballet, symphony, romance... The melody of his First Piano Concerto became a musical symbol of Russia. His music accompanies us all our lives – and yet Tchaikovsky remains a great mystery. As a person, a musician, as an extraordinary person. All his life he had been searching for the truth, first of all, in art. This book was written by people who knew Tchaikovsky well and understood his contradictory, closed nature. What truth was he looking for in his music? What kind of person was he? How did you change during your life? These questions are answered by the book you are holding in your hands.