Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Composer's World

School Library Journal

Gr 7-12-- Two fine biographies that present an all-encompassing view of each composer's life and times. Loosely organized in chronological order and including education, personal and professional growth, and creative genius, the books take a ``scrapbook'' approach. Through words and illustrations, they highlight the historical and social climate in which each man lived. There are paintings, photographs, sketches, and, most intriguing, extracts from both Debussy and Tchaikovsky's major works--enough to whet the appetite of serious readers who may want to play a few measures. Maps, major works, glossary (Tchaikovsky), and an index fill the front and back endpapers. The dates of each important era are superimposed on some of the text, which is rather distracting. Illustrations are also overlapped and occasionally crowd the page. However, this is an effective technique in presenting a factual kaleidoscope of material. The information is accurate and complete. Libraries with a need for detailed, well-presented biographies of musicians will want these titles. Casual browsers will do better with Krull's Lives of the Musicians (Harcourt, 1993). --Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY