Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff (1873 -- 1943) was a
Russian-born composer, pianist, and conductor widely
considered one of the finest pianists of his day and,
as a composer, one of the last great representatives of
Romanticism in Russian classical music.
Early influences of Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and
other Russian composers gave way to a personal style
notable for its song-like melodicism, expressiveness
and his use of rich orchestral colors.[5] The piano is
featured prominentl...(+)
Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff (1873 -- 1943) was a
Russian-born composer, pianist, and conductor widely
considered one of the finest pianists of his day and,
as a composer, one of the last great representatives of
Romanticism in Russian classical music.
Early influences of Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and
other Russian composers gave way to a personal style
notable for its song-like melodicism, expressiveness
and his use of rich orchestral colors.[5] The piano is
featured prominently in Rachmaninoff's compositional
output, and through his own skills as a performer he
explored the expressive possibilities of the
instrument.
Rachmaninoff studied at the Moscow Conservatory with
Nikolai Zverev and Anton Arensky, and while there,
composed some of his most famous works, including the
first piano concerto (Op. 1) and the Prelude in C-sharp
minor (Op. 3, No. 2). Although spread over three
different opuses, he did go on to complete an important
set of 24 preludes in all the major and minor keys. His
Symphony No. 1 (Op. 13) was one of his first
compositions as a "Free Artist" after graduation, and
subsequently his first critical failure. The derision
he received sent him into depression. After being sent
through autosuggestive therapy, he composed his second
piano concerto (Op. 18), which is still part of the
major orchestra repertoire today. In 1909, he made his
first tour of the United States, and composed Piano
Concerto No. 3 (Op. 30), notable for its difficult
cadenza. After this, due to migration from Russia in
1917 and his busy concert career, his output as a
composer decreased, and during this period, he
completed only six compositions. His last work,
Symphonic Dances (Op. 45), was completed in 1940.
Because his most popular pieces are oriented toward the
solo piano or piano and orchestra, his vocal music --
apart from the perennial Vocalise -- is often
overlooked; even when it is given some consideration,
it is usually discounted as a sideline to the major
works. Yet Rachmaninov composed more than 80 songs
throughout his career, which shows more than a passing
interest in the genre, and his special aptitude for
long-breathed melodies is evident in his intensely
lyrical settings.
Although originally written for Piano and Voice, I
created this arrangement for Viola and Concert (Pedal)
Harp.
