Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff
- Born:
- April 1, 1873 (O.S. March 20), Semyonovo, Russian Empire
- Died:
- March 28, 1943, Beverly Hills, California, United States
- Nationality:
- Russian, later American (naturalized posthumously)
- Profession(s):
- Composer, Pianist, Conductor
Early Life and Education
- Born into a musical family; began piano lessons at age four.
- Entered the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1882.
- Later studied at the Moscow Conservatory, graduating with a Gold Medal in 1892.
- His teachers included Nikolai Zverev, Alexander Siloti, and Sergei Taneyev.
Career and Major Achievements
- Early success with his opera Aleko in 1892.
- Experienced a creative block following the negative reception of his Symphony No. 1 in 1897.
- Underwent hypnotherapy, which proved successful in overcoming his creative block and led to the composition of his Piano Concerto No. 2.
- Toured extensively as a pianist in Europe and the United States.
- Moved to the United States in 1918 following the Russian Revolution.
- Maintained a demanding performance schedule while continuing to compose.
- Naturalized as a U.S. citizen posthumously.
Notable Works
- Concertos:
- Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
- Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30
- Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op. 40
- Symphonies:
- Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27
- Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44
- Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
- Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
- The Bells, Op. 35 (choral symphony)
- Numerous piano preludes, études-tableaux, and songs.
Legacy and Impact
Sergei Rachmaninoff is considered one of the last great composers of the Romantic era. His works are characterized by their lush melodies, rich harmonies, and virtuosic piano writing. As a pianist, he was renowned for his technical brilliance and expressive interpretations. The enduring popularity of his music ensures his place as a major figure in classical music history. The information above details a summary about "despre serghei rachmaninov biography".