Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Tchaikovsky Tales

Shonberg

ABC WEDNESDAY
http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/2009/12/t-is-for.html
letter
'T'

TCHAIKOVSKY TALES!

Everybody has to die; most of us fade away
And only our families recall that we had 'our lovely day'.
But Tchaikovsky was a different case, not only was he famous,
But about his manner of passing-on everyone's an ignoramus.

*
He wrote such glorious music but he had a wretched life.
First of all he married a quite unsuitable wife,
Who went completely mad quite soon and was incarcerated.
And even that part of his life is very complicated
Because it's said he married her in the first place to disguise
The fact that he was really gay, or so most folk surmise.
That he was a homosexual just cannot be denied
And it's said he hoped to hide the fact by marrying a bride.
*
His sexual inclinations caused the manner of his dying;
At least, one theory says so, although it's mystifying.
Let's take the simple theory first, that cholera caused his death;
That the scourge of the lower classes made him breathe his final breath.
This was the theory all believed at the time that he passed away,
But folk have questioned this belief, never more so than today.
Take the type of burial he had, without care for infection.
And the dates don't stand up firmly to too much full inspection.
*
The other theory does involve homosexuality,
But that was common in his class. No need for secrecy.
It's said he had a wild affair with a nephew of the Tsar
And on Royalty's reputation that would have left a scar.
They say the fellow students from his very much earlier days
Requested that he kill himself and suggested various ways!
It is said he then took poison and committed suicide!
*
And so it seems we must decide the way Tchaikovsky died!

Either theory seems to work, but the second's more enticing.
A bit of scandal on the cake is like delicious icing!




*
An utterly different type of fame here:


15 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Interesting post for the T day. I love his music regardless, as I'm sure most people do. Had he been born in our time, it wouldn't have been a big deal!

Have a great day! Thanks for visiting!

Sylvia

squirrel said...

I really like this one. It has been awhile since I first visited and I found your blog just as much fun as when I first discovered it. You have fun talent. Thanks for sharing.

The word verification for this comment is "pounb", I bet you know what it means. :-)

Leslie: said...

Gee, quite the mystery here. Hmm, not sure how I'd like to remember him and not sure how he'd like to be remembered. Very fascinating history, though. Love your poem. :D

Mara said...

Either way, his music was divine!

Unknown said...

What a tragic end to someone so notable. You are skilled with your poetry!

Sistertex said...

You just have to love his music...there is no choice in the matter. Great post!

George S Batty said...

It is a shame that people with such great gifts seam to be shortened with some other part of their lives. Thanks for another good post.
Ps.. I was fibbling a litle in my "Grandpa Grunt" tale. The rumor was that Grandma really did Grndpa in and he is really buried in the outhouse hole. I'll tell that tale later.

Carolyn Ford said...

Very interesting post...I, too, love the music.

photowannabe said...

Fascinating history and a fun poem to read.
Sad person but beautiful music.

Rune Eide said...

In these days...

Death is still death and music is still music.

Roger Owen Green said...

What a toll intolerance of the time seems to have played.

His 1812 Overture was one of the 1st pieces I could identify, unbidden.

Tumblewords: said...

I've never studied much about the man, but I do love his music and your investigative poem!

Rose said...

Very intriguing and quite mysterious! I've always loved Tchaikovsky's music, but I don't know much about his life. He seems to be in good company with so many other famous artists who led such unhappy lives.

Judi said...

I am familiar with the music but not the artist. Interesting.

jay said...

I had no idea there was any mystery surrounding Tchaikowski's death! Fascinating stuff, especially the link with royalty! One can only wonder...