Tchai ‧ kov ‧ sky, Pe ‧ ter Il ‧ yich /tʃaɪˈkɒfski $ -ˈkɔːf-, ˈpiːtəʳ ˈɪlɪtʃ/ BrE AmE
(1840–93) a Russian ↑ composer known especially for his symphonies (↑ symphony ) and his ↑ ballet s , such as Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty . Other well-known works are The 1812 Overture and his first piano ↑ concerto . His music is romantic, emotional, and often rather sad.