Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck

…patronage of a Russian millionairess, Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck, who engaged him to play duets with her and her children. He traveled with her to her palatial residences throughout Europe during the long summer vacations at the Conservatory. In Paris during this time he fell in love with a singer,…

…that developed between Tchaikovsky and Nadezhda von Meck, the widow of a wealthy railroad tycoon; it became an important component of their lives for the next 14 years. A great admirer of his work, she chose to become his patroness and eventually arranged for him a regular monthly allowance; this…

…financial backer, the wealthy widow Nadezhda von Meck, who sent him a monthly stipend in return for his steady correspondence with her about his music. The two never met in person, but countless letters precipitated from their relationship. Those letters, most of which have survived, provide insight into the composer’s…