Tchaikovsky's career as a composer was partly made possible because he had A. a PhD in composition. B. a piano-tuning business. C. several employees. D. financial support from a wealthy patron.

D. financial support from a wealthy patron.

Tchaikovsky was lucky enough to receive financial support for thirteen years from a rich widow named Nadezhda von Meck. Even though they had never met each other, she continued to support his music until that relationship suddenly ended.