Vladimir Davydov
Encyclopedia
Vladimir DavydovVladimir Davydov (December 14, 1871 (O.S. December 2) – December 27, 1906 (O.S, December 14) was the second son of Lev and Alexandra Davidov and the favorite nephew of the composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
, who called him "Bob".
in Saint Petersburg
, however, Bob decided on a military career and joined the Preobrazhensky Lifeguard regiment. He resigned his commission as a Lieutanant in 1897 and moved to Klin
, where he helped the composer's brother Modest create a museum to commemorate Tchaikovsky's life. An acute depressive, Davydov turned to morphine and other drugs before he committed suicide in 1906 at the age of 34. He is buried at the town's Dem'ianovo Cemetery.
in 1890, he made Davydov his confidant. Tchaikovsky considered relocating from Klin to Saint Petersburg in the last couple of years of his life so as to live closer to Davydov (a potential move that caused fellow composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
some distress) writing to his brother Modest, "Seeing the importance of Bob in my life is increasing all the time.... To see him, hear him and feel him close to me will soon become for me, it seems, the paramount condition for my happiness." Davydov was one of the party that remained with Tchaikovsky through his final illness. Tchaikovsky named Davydov in his will as the inheritor of the royalties and copyrights to his musical works.
, the Pathétique, to Davydov, as well as his Children's Album of piano works, Op. 34.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Russian: Пётр Ильи́ч Чайко́вский ; often "Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky" in English. His names are also transliterated "Piotr" or "Petr"; "Ilitsch", "Il'ich" or "Illyich"; and "Tschaikowski", "Tschaikowsky", "Chajkovskij"...
, who called him "Bob".
Life
From his earliest years, Davydov showed an aptitude for music and drawing, which was encouraged by his uncle. After he studied at the Imperial School of JurisprudenceImperial School of Jurisprudence
The Imperial School of Jurisprudence was, along with the Page Corps, the most prestigious school for noble boys in Saint Petersburg, the capital of the Russian Empire....
in Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a city and a federal subject of Russia located on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea...
, however, Bob decided on a military career and joined the Preobrazhensky Lifeguard regiment. He resigned his commission as a Lieutanant in 1897 and moved to Klin
Klin
Klin is a town and the administrative center of Klinsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia, located northwest of Moscow. The M10 highway connecting Moscow to St. Petersburg and the Moscow-Saint Petersburg Railway run through the town. It was home to Klin air base during the Cold War. ...
, where he helped the composer's brother Modest create a museum to commemorate Tchaikovsky's life. An acute depressive, Davydov turned to morphine and other drugs before he committed suicide in 1906 at the age of 34. He is buried at the town's Dem'ianovo Cemetery.
Relationship with Tchaikovsky
After Tchaikovsky lost the support of Nadezhda von MeckNadezhda von Meck
Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck was a Russian businesswoman, who is best known today for her artistic relationship with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. She supported him financially for 13 years, enabling him to devote himself full-time to composition, but she stipulated that they were never to meet. ...
in 1890, he made Davydov his confidant. Tchaikovsky considered relocating from Klin to Saint Petersburg in the last couple of years of his life so as to live closer to Davydov (a potential move that caused fellow composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov was a Russian composer, and a member of the group of composers known as The Five.The Five, also known as The Mighty Handful or The Mighty Coterie, refers to a circle of composers who met in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in the years 1856–1870: Mily Balakirev , César...
some distress) writing to his brother Modest, "Seeing the importance of Bob in my life is increasing all the time.... To see him, hear him and feel him close to me will soon become for me, it seems, the paramount condition for my happiness." Davydov was one of the party that remained with Tchaikovsky through his final illness. Tchaikovsky named Davydov in his will as the inheritor of the royalties and copyrights to his musical works.
Dedications
Tchaikovsky dedicated his Sixth SymphonySymphony No. 6 (Tchaikovsky)
The Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, Pathétique is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's final completed symphony, written between February and the end of August 1893. The composer led the first performance in Saint Petersburg on 16/28 October of that year, nine days before his death...
, the Pathétique, to Davydov, as well as his Children's Album of piano works, Op. 34.