Faculty Author Q&A: Simon Morrison on “Tchaikovsky’s Empire”

February 3, 2025

Simon Morrison is professor of music and Slavic languages and literatures and director of the Humanities Council’s Fund for Canadian Studies. His latest book “Tchaikovsky’s Empire: A New Life of Russia’s Greatest Composer” was published in August 2024 by Yale University Press.  

How did you get the idea for this project?

I was commissioned to write it by Yale University Press, after conversations that revealed a need for a fresh take on this composer’s like, devoid of homophobia and political distortions.

How did the project develop or change throughout the research and writing process?

I spent several years researching the book using Russian archives, and my perception of the composer’s achievement evolved. [Tchaikovsky] had access to the highest rungs of power in Russia yet wasn’t particularly political. The research changed altogether my understanding – our understanding – of the conception of major operas and ballets.

What questions for future investigation has the project sparked?

It brought to light little-known and in some instances wholly unknown compositions that merit performance given their intrinsic quality.

Why should people read this book?

It relies on original research, offers a fresh take on a familiar figure, and is unbiased – or so I hope!


Tchaikovsky’s Empire” was included in the Financial Times’ Best Books of 2024-Classical and Pop Music; read more about faculty on ‘best of’ lists on the University homepage.

Learn more about other publications by Princeton University faculty in the humanities by exploring our Faculty Bookshelf.

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