Tchaikovsky
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Nikolai Konradi (centre), pictured with the composer, Modest Tchaikovsky, and his governess Sof'ia Ershova, at Montpelier, France, in July 1876

Nikolai Konradi

Pupil of the composer's brother Modest Tchaikovsky (b. 1868; d. 1922); born Nikolai Germanovich Konradi (Николай Германович Конради, Nikolaj Germanovič Konradi, Nikolay Germanovich Konradi)

Nikolai was born without the ability to hear or speak, and in 1876 his parents (Herman and Alina) engaged the composer's brother Modest as tutor to the eight-year-old boy. Modest had mastered a system called "sonic speech" devised by J. Gugentobler, that was designed to help communication with deaf-mute children. Under Modest's guidance, Nikolai learned to talk, write and read in three languages, and was educated to graduate level. After the divorce of Nikolai's parents in 1881, and the death of his father  the following year, permanent guardianship of Nikolai was granted to Modest Tchaikovsky in 1882.

After 1876 the composer often stayed with Modest at the Konradis' estate at Grankino, and was very fond of Nikolai, whom he called "Kolia". However, as Nikolai grew older he quarrelled more frequently with Modest, especially over financial matters, and the composer often found himself acting in the role of peacemaker between the two men.

Tchaikovsky's correspondence with Nikolai Konradi:

• 53 letters from the composer to Nikolai Konradi have survived, dating from 1876 to 1893.