The Phenomenon of Childhood in the Works of Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Abstract

The theme of childhood in contemporary musical art has evolved into a distinct and multifaceted cultural sphere. Despite its apparent simplicity and accessibility, the theme of childhood often arises in complex psychological and philosophical contexts, becoming an integral part of serious artistic concepts. In terms of content, the theme of childhood in art belongs to the category of ‘eternal’ themes. This article is dedicated to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Children’s Album, which reflects the philosophical, aesthetic, and social ideas of its time. The article analysed the definition of the concept of ‘modernity’ proposed by Jean-François Lyotard and Thierry de Duve. This definition defines modernity as a period that follows the postmodern stage of innovation, struggle, and contradictions. Using Tchaikovsky’s Children’s Album as an example, the article examined the transition from postmodernity to modernity. This analysis reveals a parallel between Ludwig Wittgenstein’s ideas about language and the process of learning language practice through musical impressions. Keywords: Tchaikovsky, Wittgenstein, Language Practice, Modernity, Postmodernity, Interpretation.