Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was the first Russian composer to gain international fame. His early emotional sensitivity developed into long periods of depression, but he wrote some of his most cheerful music during these periods. He also had a remarkable gift for writing melody. Tchaikovsky is often described as a composer of music that is basically melancholy. Some of his music is melancholy, especially the last movement of his Symphony No. 6. Yet, he also wrote spirited music, as in Marche Slave and "1812" overture; lyrical music, as in the symphonic poem Romeo and Juliet, lively ballet music, as in the Nutcracker Suite; and powerful symphonies.