Tchaikovsky
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Aleksandra Davydova (1842–1891)

Aleksandra Davydova

Younger sister of the composer (b. 28 December 1841/9 January 1842 in Votkinsk; d. 28 March/9 April 1891 in Kamenka), born Aleksandra Ilinichna Chaykovskaya (Апександра Ильинична Чайковская); known after her marriage as Aleksandra Ilinichna Davydova (Апександра Ильинична Давыдова);

Aleksandra, known affectionately by the composer as "Sasha" (Шаша), was the fourth child of Ilya Tchaikovsky (1795–1880) and his wife Aleksandra (b. Assier, 1812–1854).

On 6/18 November 1860 she married Lev Davydov (1837–1896), and they had seven children: Tatyana (1861–1887); Vera (1863–1888); Anna (1864–1942); Natalya (1868–1956); Dmitry (1870–1929); Vladimir (1871–1906); and Yury (1876–1965).

Tchaikovsky spent a great deal of time with the Davydov family on their estates at Kamenka and Verbovka, where many of his works were composed.

Aleksandra Davydova died on 28 March/9 April 1891 at Kamenka, following a long period of ill health. She was buried next to her daughter Tatyana in the cemetery at the Aleksandr Nevsky Monastery in Saint Petersburg, although neither grave site has survived.

Tchaikovsky's works dedicated to Aleksandra Davydova:

• Valse-scherzo, Op. 7 (1870).

Tchaikovsky's correspondence with Aleksandra Davydova:

• 79 letters from Tchaikovsky to his sister Aleksandra have survived, dating from 1861 to 1879.