Catalogue of Letters, Bibliography (v. 2) (Russian Music Studies) - Tapa dura

"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." --

This is a "A Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2003". Here is a scholarly resource of inestimable worth. It is a comprehensive guide to all known Tchaikovsky resource materials - every composition, finished or unfinished; all the writings, every piece of correspondence, all the diaries, every interview; all the photographs (with thumbnail images); and everything written about Tchaikovsky. This is a tremendous bibliographical undertaking and will raise the bar for Tchaikovsky scholarship overnight.In addition to the basic bibliographical data, the catalogue of works gives information on the circumstances surrounding the composition of the work and its earliest performances, arrangements for others instruments, where the manuscripts are (and any peculiarities that they exhibit), publication history, and any related works (for example, other works in which Tchaikovsky used the same melodic material). "The Tchaikovsky Handbook" will be indispensable for anyone doing research on the composer or any of his works, anyone writing notes for concert programs, every music library.