Tchaikovsky: The Years of Wondering, 1878-1885

Seeking anonymity and peace after his disastrous marriage, Tchaikovsky wandered across Europe, trying to avoid both his wife and his benefactor Nadezhda von Meck. During the next eight years of recovery he wrote a good deal, but none of it was as great in quality as that which preceded or followed. Yet in this third volume of his authoritative biographical and critical study Brown manages to make this relatively fallow period nearly as interesting as Tchaikovsky's previous life and career. His sympathetic picture of the sentimental, nostalgic composer is almost novelistic, and his analysis of even minor works is judicious and convincing. The reader eagerly anticipates the final volume. Photos. (June 9)