Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (May 7 1840 - November 6 1893) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as "The Five", Tchaikovsky wrote music which, in the opinion of Harold C. Schonberg, was distinctly Russian: plangent, introspective, with modally-inflected melody and harmony.While the Five's contributions were important in their own right in developing an independent Russian voice and consciousness in classical music, Tchaikovsky became a dominant figure in 19th century Russian music and known both in and outside Russia as its greatest musical talent. His formal conservatory training instilled in him Western-oriented attitudes and… techniques, allowing him to show a wide range and bredth of techinque. This bredth ranged from a poised "Classical" form simulating 18th century Rococo elegance to a style more characteristic of Russian nationalists or forming a musical idiom as a channel to express his own overwrought emotions.Even with this diversity of approach, Tchaikovsky's essential outlook musically remained Russian, both in his use of native folk song and his deep absorption in Russian life and ways of thought. This Russianness of mindset ensured that he would not become a mere imitator of Western technique. His natural gift for melody, based mainly on themes of tremendous eloquence and emotive power and supported by matching resources in harmony and orchestration, has always made his music appealing to the public. However, his hard-won professional technique and an ability to harness it to express his emotional life gave Tchaikovsky the ability to realize his potential more fully than any other Russian composer of his time.Although always popular with audiences, Tchaikovsky had at times been judged harshly by musicians and composers. However, his reputation as a significant composer is now generally regarded as secure.