Madame von Meck

 

Nadezhda Filaretovna von Meck (1831-1894) was the wealthy Russian patroness of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893).  The two never met in person, but carried on an extensive and intimate correspondence over a thirteen-year period.  In gratitude for her years of financial and moral support, Tchaikovsky dedicated his Symphony No. 4 to her.