Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) was the author of some of the most popular themes in all of classical music. The power and communicative sweep of his best music elevates it to classic status. It was Tchaikovsky's unique melodic charm that could, whether in his Piano Concerto No. 1 or in his ballet The Nutcracker, make the music sound familiar on first hearing.

While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian.  He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in "The Five." He shared several of their ideals, including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim, however, was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria. His professionalism also fueled his desire to reach a broad public, not just nationally but also internationally, which he would eventually do.

Tchaikovsky is perhaps most well-known for his ballet The Nutcracker, as well as the opera Eugene Onegin and the 1812 Overture.