Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff
- Born:
- April 1, 1873 (O.S. March 20), Semyonovo, Starorussky Uyezd, Saint Petersburg Governorate, Russia
- Died:
- March 28, 1943, Beverly Hills, California, United States
- Nationality:
- Russian (later American Citizen)
- Profession(s):
- Composer, Pianist, Conductor
Early Life and Education
- Born into a musical family.
- Began piano studies at age four.
- Entered the Saint Petersburg Conservatory at age nine.
- Transferred to the Moscow Conservatory, studying under Nikolai Zverev, Alexander Siloti, and Sergei Taneyev.
- Graduated from the Moscow Conservatory in 1892, winning the Great Gold Medal.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early success with his Piano Concerto No. 1.
- A period of depression following the disastrous premiere of his Symphony No. 1 in 1897.
- Resurgence with the Piano Concerto No. 2, which became one of his most popular works.
- Toured extensively as a pianist, achieving international acclaim.
- Conducted at the Bolshoi Theatre.
- Emigrated from Russia in 1917 following the Russian Revolution.
- Resumed his career as a concert pianist, primarily in the United States and Europe.
- Continued to compose, although less prolifically, during his later years.
- Became a US citizen in 1943.
Notable Works
- Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
- Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30
- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
- Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27
- The Isle of the Dead, Op. 29
- Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
- Études-Tableaux
- Preludes for piano
Legacy and Impact
Sergei Rachmaninoff's legacy rests on his contribution to the late-Romantic tradition, characterized by soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and virtuosic piano writing. He remains one of the most popular and influential composers and pianists of the 20th century. This page provides a concise sergei rachmaninov short biography.