Sergei Rachmaninoff Biography

(Russian Composer Who Was Considered One of the Finest Pianists of His Era)

Birthday: April 1, 1873 (Aries)

Born In: Starorussky Uyezd

Sergei Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor who contributed some great compositions to orchestral music. His works are part of the best music of the Romantic period. Born into a family of musicians, Rachmaninoff exposed to music right from his childhood. He graduated from the Moscow Conservatory, and composed several musical pieces on the piano. These included the ‘Piano Concerto No. 1,’ and the ‘Trio elegiaque No. 1.’ He performed his first independent concert during his final year at the ‘Conservatory.’ Rachmaninoff struggled to gain recognition during his early years. One of his earliest compositions, ‘Symphony No. 1,’ was not well received by the public. This sent him into a state of depression. After suffering for three years, he attended therapy sessions, and recovered from his state. He composed one of his masterpieces, ‘Piano Concerto No. 2,’ during this period. For several years, he worked as the conductor at the ‘Bolshoi Theatre’ in Moscow. Unhappy with the political conditions in Moscow, he relocated to Dresden, along with his family. His musical tours took him to the United States, where he settled down during the last years of his life. Some of his major works include ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,’ and ‘Symphony No. 3.’ During his last years, Sergei Rachmaninoff suffered from melanoma. Though he wished to be buried in a Moscow cemetery, his wish could not be granted as he held an American citizenship.

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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff

Died At Age: 69

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Natalia Satina

father: Vasily Arkadyevich Rachmaninoff (1841–1916)

mother: Lyubov Petrovna Butakova (1853–1929)

children: Irina Sergeievna Rachmaninova (1903–1969) and Tatiana Sergeievna Rachmaninova

Born Country: Russia

Pianists Composers

Height: 6'6" (198 cm), 6'6" Males

Died on: March 28, 1943

place of death: Beverly Hills, California, United States

Notable Alumni: Saint Petersburg Conservatory, Moscow Conservatory

Cause of Death: Melanoma

More Facts

education: Saint Petersburg Conservatory, Moscow Conservatory

  • 1

    What are some famous compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoff?

    Sergei Rachmaninoff is known for his famous compositions such as Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Prelude in C-sharp minor.
  • 2

    What is the significance of Sergei Rachmaninoff's music in the classical music world?

    Sergei Rachmaninoff's music is highly regarded for its emotional depth, lush harmonies, and virtuosic piano writing, making him one of the most important composers of the late Romantic period.
  • 3

    What inspired Sergei Rachmaninoff's compositions?

    Sergei Rachmaninoff drew inspiration from various sources, including Russian folk music, literature, and his own personal emotions and experiences, which he translated into his rich and expressive compositions.
  • 4

    How did Sergei Rachmaninoff's music influence future generations of composers?

    Sergei Rachmaninoff's music had a significant impact on future generations of composers, particularly in his use of lush harmonies, lyrical melodies, and innovative piano techniques, influencing composers such as Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich.
  • 5

    What was Sergei Rachmaninoff's approach to piano performance and composition?

    Sergei Rachmaninoff was known for his exceptional skills as a pianist and composer, characterized by his expressive interpretation, technical virtuosity, and deep emotional connection to the music he performed and composed.
Childhood & Early Life
Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff was born on April 1, 1873, in Oneg, near Novgorod. His father, Vasily Arkadyevich Rachmaninoff, was an army officer, and an amateur pianist. His mother, Lyubov Petrovna Butakova, was the daughter of a wealthy army general, and showed keen interest in music. Rachmaninoff was their fourth child. His paternal grandfather was a musician, and a student of the famous Irish composer, John Field.
At the age of four, Rachmaninoff started taking piano lessons from his mother. During Rachmaninoff’s childhood, his father suffered financial losses, and sold off his estates. The family moved to Saint Petersburg. Rachmaninoff joined the ‘Saint Petersburg Conservatory’ for his music studies. Later, he was transferred to the ‘Moscow Conservatory’ to train under Nikolai Zverev.
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Career
Sergei Rachmaninoff started his musical compositions much before his graduation from the ‘Moscow Conservatory.’ He was awarded the ‘Rubinstein Scholarship.’ Rachmaninoff spent his summers at his uncle Satin’s private estate in Ivanovka. The peaceful surroundings inspired Rachmaninoff to compose some of his earliest music, which included ‘Piano Concerto No. 1,’ and ‘Prince Rostislav.’
During his final year at the ‘Moscow Conservatory,’ Rachmaninoff gave his first independent concert, where he premiered his composition, ‘Trio elegiaque No.1.’ He composed the opera ‘Aleko’ for his final composition examination. ‘Aleko’ received a lot of appreciation, and won him a gold medal and the highest marks at the ‘Conservatory.’
After graduation, Rachmaninoff entered into a publishing contract. This was his major source of income. In 1892, he composed a five-part piano piece, ‘Morceaux de fantaisie.’
In 1895, Rachmaninoff completed his composition ‘Symphony No. 1.’ It premiered in 1897, at the ‘Russian Symphony Concerts.’ The music was brutally criticized by several musicians, including the noted composer Cesar Cui. He suggested that the music was likely to be appealing to the inmates of Hell. Rachmaninoff was greatly distressed on hearing these criticisms. He went into a state of depression, and was unable to compose any music for a long time. This state lasted for more than three years.
In 1900, Rachmaninoff sought professional help for dealing with his depression. He received therapy from Nikolai Dahl, who was a family friend, and an amateur musician. The treatment was successful, and Rachmaninoff regained his interest in composing music. In 1901, he composed ‘Piano Concerto No.2.’ It was very well received by music lovers. The piece earned him the ‘Glinka Award.’
In 1903, Sergei Rachmaninoff composed one of his largest compositions, ‘Variations on a Theme of Chopin.’ In 1904, Rachmaninoff was appointed as the conductor at the ‘Bolshoi Theatre.’ He demanded high standards of performance during his tenure. Gradually, Rachmaninoff lost interest in the post, and in 1906, he submitted his resignation.
In 1906, Rachmaninoff moved with his family to Dresden, as he was tensed about the political turmoil in Russia. The music scene and environment of Dresden was more inspiring and conducive. He composed his ‘Symphony No. 2,’ while in Dresden. It was a great success, and earned him the ‘Glinka Award’ for a second time. During this period, he returned to Russia.
In 1909, Rachmaninoff joined the ‘Boston Symphony Orchestra,’ on their tour of the United States. In the tour, Rachmaninoff gave 26 performances as a composer, 19 as a pianist, and 7 as a conductor.
In 1910, Rachmaninoff was appointed as the Vice President of the ‘Imperial Russian Musical Society.’ In 1912, he submitted his resignation, following some disagreements.
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In 1917, at the start of the Russian Revolution, Rachmaninoff feared for the safety of his family. Around the same time, he received an offer to perform piano recitals in Scandinavia. Rachmaninoff accepted the offer, and left Russia along with his family. In 1918, he moved to New York City, and spent the most of his later life in the city.
While in New York, Rachmaninoff derived his major income from performing, and conducting performances. He had little time for composing. Moreover, the relocation to a foreign land had an adverse impact on him. Rachmaninoff could produce only six works after relocating to the United States.
In an effort to create an atmosphere conducive to composing, Rachmaninoff built a villa on the banks of Lake Lucerne, in Switzerland. From the comforts of his home, he composed ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini,’ and ‘Symphony No. 3.’ In 1942, Rachmaninoff’s health declined and he shifted to California following his doctor’s advice.
Family, Personal Life & Legacy
Sergei Rachmaninoff was married to Natalia Satina. As they were first cousins, their marriage was against the rules of Russian Orthodox Church. The couple tied the knot in 1902, amid protests. They had two daughters: Irina, Tatiana.
In 1942, during one of his tours, Rachmaninoff was diagnosed with an advanced stage of melanoma. On March 28, 1943, he breathed his last. His body was interred at the ‘Kensico Cemetery’ in New York. Since Rachmaninoff had been granted citizenship of the United States a month prior to his death, his body could not be taken to Moscow, as per his last wishes.
Facts About Sergei Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff had an intense fear of flying, which led him to avoid air travel whenever possible.

He once famously traveled by boat for several days to avoid having to fly.

Rachmaninoff was known for his large hands, which spanned over an octave and a half on the piano.

This unique physical attribute allowed him to perform intricate and challenging piano compositions with ease.

Despite his serious and intense demeanor, Rachmaninoff had a playful side and enjoyed practical jokes.

He was known to have a witty sense of humor and would often lighten the mood with his clever remarks.

Rachmaninoff had a deep love for nature and often found inspiration for his music in the beauty of the natural world.

He would frequently seek solace and creative energy by taking long walks in the countryside.

In addition to being a renowned composer and pianist, Rachmaninoff was also a talented conductor.

He led several orchestras during his career and was highly respected for his skill in interpreting and conducting a wide range of musical works.
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