Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky listen (1840 November 6) was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. While not part of the nationalistic music group known as The Five; Tchaikovsky wrote music which was distinctly Russian: plangent; introspective; with modally-inflected melody and harmony.Tchaikovsky considered himself a professional composer. He felt his professionalism in combining skill and high standards in his musical works separated him from his colleagues in The Five. He shared several of their ideals; including an emphasis on national character in music. His aim; however; was linking those ideals with a professional standard high enough to satisfy European criteria.