Letter 65

Tchaikovsky Research
Date early 1863
Addressed to Vasily Kologrivov
Where written Saint Petersburg
Language Russian
Autograph Location Klin (Russia): Tchaikovsky State Memorial Musical Museum-Reserve (a12, No. 4b)
Publication П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений, том V (1959), p. 76

Text and Translation

Russian text
(original)
English translation
By Brett Langston
Милостивый государь!
Василий Алексеевич!

Имею честь уведомить, что по домашним обстоятельствам, удерживающим меня дома, я не могу явиться в Консерваторию на урок у г-на Чиарли [1].

С глубочайшим уважением имею честь быть покорнейшим слугою.

П. Чаиковский

Gracious Sir!
Vasily Alekseyevich!

I have the honour of informing you that, due to family circumstances detaining me at home, I cannot attend Mr Ciardi's lesson at the Conservatory.

With the deepest respect I have the honour of being your most obedient servant.

P. Tchaikovsky

Notes and References

  1. The famous Italian flautist Cesare Ciardi (1818–1877) was based in Russia from 1853 and taught Tchaikovsky the flute at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. Tchaikovsky became highly proficient in this instrument and was able to take part in student concerts and chamber music soirées requiring the flute during his time at the Conservatory.