Giant Musician Piano Library: Rachmaninoff

Author: (Russia) Rachmaninoff composed
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Rachmaninoff, born on January 6, 1873, in Moscow to Alexander Skriabin and Seryozha Rachmaninoff, was a Russian composer and pianist. Born in Oneg, Novgorod Province, Russia in 1873, his father was a landlord, and the family was wealthy. He began studying piano at the age of 4 and entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1883 to study piano and composition. His second piece in the collection "Piano Fantasy Pieces," the "Prelude in C-sharp Minor," received acclaim. In 1893, to commemorate Tchaikovsky's death, he composed the piano trio "In Memory of a Great Artist." Due to the criticism of his "Symphony," which was labeled as an "unsuccessful work," he fell into depression and illness for several years. Later, he composed the "Second Piano Concerto" and "Second Symphony," which were successful, making him a world-renowned composer. In early 1909, he made his first visit to the United States, leaving a good impression, and subsequently performed in the U.S. several times, achieving great success. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Rachmaninoff fled to Switzerland and settled in the United States in 1918, where he engaged in creative work and piano performances. His works during this period include the "Fourth Piano Concerto," "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," and "Third Symphony," among others; he also served as the conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. On March 28, 1943, he passed away in California at the age of 70. Other major works include the symphonic poem "Isle of the Dead," the "Third Piano Concerto," as well as solo piano works such as preludes, etudes, and art songs like "Vocalise." His compositions were deeply influenced by Tchaikovsky, with prominent melodic qualities, rich harmonic and polyphonic textures, and a predominantly Romantic musical language.