Tchaikovsky Handbook Volume 2 Catalogue of Letters Genealogy Bibliography

The Tchaikovsky Handbook is a comprehensive guide to all known Tchaikovsky resource materials--to every composition (with incipits), all the writings, every piece of correspondence, all the diaries, every interview, every photograph (with images included here), and everything written about Tchaikovsky--and even more.

In addition to the basic bibliographical data, the catalog of works gives information on the circumstances surrounding their composition and their earliest performances, arrangements for other instruments, locations of manuscripts (and any peculiarities that they exhibit), publication history, and any related works (for example, other works in which Tchaikovsky used the same melodic material). A tremendous bibliographical undertaking, the Handbook raises the bar for Tchaikovsky scholarship.

Volume 1 includes a chronology of the composer's life; a catalog of all the compositions, writings, interviews, and photographs; a translation of his brief 1889 autobiography; and listings of the works by opus number, in chronological order, and by titles and variant titles. A general index completes the volume.

"The second volume consists chiefly of a guide to Tchaikovsky's letters and a bibliography. Tchaikovsky was a prolific letter writer; over 5,065 are listed in chronological order, ranging from cordial notes to letters expressing deep philosophical beliefs and emotional experiences. They are the single most important source for biographical information. Each entry gives recipient, date and place of writing, language if not Russian, location of original or copies, references to first publication, volume numbers from the complete Russian edition of Tchaikovsky's letters, and any English translation. An index of correspondents includes identity of each person, letter number, and guide to the next section, which supplies locations of Tchaikovsky's autograph letters, arranged geographically. The genealogy consists of detailed listing of French maternal and Cossack paternal ancestors dating from the 18th century, with a name index. The bibliography (5,746 entries) has six sections: catalogs and bibliographies, sources and documents, appreciation, biography, works, miscellanea. Both volumes are a pleasure to use. A most impressive work; a bargain and very highly recommended for academic libraries." -- Indiana University Press

Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and indexes.

vol. 1. Thematic catalogue of works ; Catalogue of photographs ; Autobiography -- vol. 2. Catalogue of letters ; Genealogy ; Bibliography.