This was definitely an unusual thing for a young child to be experiencing. His parents had set him up to be a government employed individual while almost ignoring his musical capabilities. At the age of 23 he had made the decision to totally devote himself to music (5 Wiki). He took up a teaching job soon after upon the recommendation of Anton Rubinstein, who was the head of the department of music at the university he attended( 2 Jack). His musical life differed tremendously from his personal life during these times. .
Compositions were being completed easily while relationships were not turning out his way( 1 Dick). Tchaikovsky would, for the rest of his life, struggle with relationships and his own sexuality. After marrying a passionate student and later realizing he made a mistake, he found himself within another odd relationship( 1 Dick). It was with a widow of Railroad tycoon named Nadezhda von Meck. She loved Tchaikovsky's music and supported him financially for a number of years. They only ever communicated through letter and never met face to face(5 Wiki). .
Although an intimate relationship formed, once she halted her financial support from troubles of her own, the friendship and communication was lost. After von Meck and he lost connection he had traveled incessantly throughout Europe and America and had great success till his death(1 Dick). One might be inclined to say his frequent fits of depression and emotional instability played a big part in his compositions and therefore a big part in his success( 1 Dick). He'd go on to die shortly after he completed his final symphony, "Pathetique," which is the one I plan study. His cause of death is debated today and mainly said to be unknown(5 Wiki). .
His 6th and final symphony is considered to be his best work by many. It was completed toward the end of August in 1893. He accompanied the first performance of the piece which sadly occurred 9 days before his sudden death (2 Jack).