Prepare a report on the work of Rachmaninov. Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov - creative biography, photo, personal life, family, children: “What takes away life, music brings back”

The diversity of S.V. Rachmaninov’s talent was expressed in the guises of conductor, composer, performer, although the composer himself often said that he was afraid of not finding himself, and in the end life path so he wrote:

“...I haven’t found myself...”

This composer is called one of the most outstanding melodists. He himself said:

“I would like to sing the theme on the piano the way a singer would sing it.”

V. Bryantseva notes the organic combination in his melody of already formed aphorism with the just emerging breadth of breathing, processuality, embodying the features of the original Russian epic melodies. This is how Rachmaninoff’s original “dali melodies” (B. Asafiev) are born with a complex interaction of individual dramatic and song-generalized lyrical principles.

This is a lyrical-epic melody of a new type, bearing dramatic potential, whose nature is in a special ratio and rapid mutual switching of static and dynamic methods of development (L. Mazel).

Rachmaninov's melody is always associated with folk origins, themes of the homeland, bell ringings of Russia.

From the rich heritage, covering a wide range of genres and themes, we will dwell on only a few works of the composer:

Piano works of S.V. Rachmaninov

In the master's work piano works constitute its most important part; most of them were written in Russia. The image of a sounding piano created by him serves to convey the depth of existence itself. Having introduced bell-like images that have a philosophical and ideological meaning, the composer asserts in the piano musical culture them as an Eternal Theme.

Fantasy plays (op. 3, 1892) include the plays: “Elegy”, “Prelude”, “Melody”, “Punichinelle”, “Serenade”. The cycle celebrates the combination of the individuality of Rachmaninov's language and the connection with its predecessors. In “Elegy” there are features of Chopin’s melodicism and Schubert’s songfulness; Liszt’s sarcasm and grotesquery are in “Open China.”

“Six Musical Moments” (1896) is the embodiment of Rachmaninov’s idea of ​​affirming an optimistic principle. Initially created as individual works, then were combined into a cycle according to the principle of the development of the image from darkness to light. The peak of darkness and tragedy is No. 3; further, the path of development of the image passes through stormy excitement in No. 4 - to the lyrics in No. 5, reaching the climax (triumph of light) in No. 6.

Etudes-paintings (six etudes-paintings, op.33, 1911; nine etudes-paintings, op.39, 1916-1917) are basically “sketches”; they have a conditional relationship to the sketch genre as such.

Preludes by Rachmaninov

Traditionally, foreplay has been thought of in connection with two ways of being:

• as an introduction to a fugue (in cycles, for example, by J.S. Bach);
• miniature (in the works of Chopin, Lyadov).

In Rachmaninov’s work, a third direction in the life of the genre appears:

— independent large-scale play.

In the cycles of preludes there is a combination of three principles: lyric, epic and dramatic. They cover wide circle images are distinguished by virtuosity, brilliance, detailed forms, monumentality; They do not have program names.

A comparison of the cycles of preludes (ten preludes op. 23, 1903 and thirteen preludes op. 32, 1910) demonstrates changes in the relationship between figurative spheres and emotions in music: the moods of light poetic lyrics characteristic of the earlier cycle are replaced in the later by an increasing role of disturbing, dramatic, fatal; also - majestic epic and increasing the brightness of the national color. This influences the manner of piano writing: increased monumentality and richness of colors give it orchestral features.

Sonatas

The piano sonata genre as a whole was not typical for this composer, unlike his contemporaries. Snata No. 1 in d-moll (op. 28, 1907) (like No. 2 in b-moll, op. 36, 1913) impresses with its depth, although it is not among the most performed and popular works.

Concertos for piano and orchestra

Before Rachmaninov, the genre of the piano concerto was realized in the works of Balakirev and Rubinstein, but was not decisive for anyone. For this composer, this genre became one of the most important, having absorbed all figurative world his creativity. One of main features is the unity of three principles in his concerts (as in preludes): lyrical, epic and dramatic.

The piano concertos of S.V. Rachmaninov can be called a unique result of his work: they summarized what the composer accumulated in preludes, symphonies, etc. This is mainly -

• monumentality,
• concert performance,
• virtuosity.

He symphonizes his 4 concerts, marking the most important milestones in his work, picking up this tradition from Tchaikovsky.

No. 1 (fis-moll, 1891)– graduation from the conservatory. The first piano concert, marked by sincere, emotional lyrics, was successfully received;

Second Piano Concerto (C-moll, 1901) marked the exit from the crisis and opened a mature period of creativity. As a sign of gratitude, the composer dedicates it to V. Dahl, a psychotherapist and hypnotist, who managed to convince him of the inevitable success of the work;

Third Piano Concerto (d minor, 1909) denotes one of the peaks of the composer’s entire work. Its true meaning will be understood only with time (then it will be ranked among the greatest masterpieces of Russian piano music of the 20th century);

No. 4 (g-moll, 1926), dedicated to N. Medtner, it was created over many years, summarizing creative quests.

Often included among the concerts is “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” (a-moll, 1934), where its inherent concert quality allows the work to “rightfully be considered the Fifth Concerto” (written in the form of variations).

Symphonies of Rachmaninoff

(No. 1, d-moll, 1895; No. 2, e-moll, 1906-1907; No. 3, a-moll, 1935-1936)

The first symphony of S.V. Rachmaninov was not accepted by contemporaries, denoting crucial moment in the master's work: its execution was a failure. The work is monumental, going back to the lyrical-dramatic symphonism of Tchaikovsky, the imagery and complex of musical expressive means of the composers (in combination with the features of the author’s individual style). Failure becomes a strong blow for the composer, causing long-term depression. The composer wrote:

“After this Symphony, I didn’t compose anything for about three years. He was like a man who had suffered a blow and whose head and arms were lost for a long time...”

Music of the Second Symphony reveals the majestic and sad image of Rus', epic monumentality and breadth are combined with the soulful depth of the lyrics.

Moods Third Symphony express tragedy and fatality, they are filled with longing for what was lost (as in “Symphonic Dances”, the theme of the medieval sequence sounds here “ Dies irae"("Day of Wrath"), which has firmly entered the musical consciousness as a symbol of death and rock.

"Symphonic Dances" — last piece composer, written in 1940, when the breath of World War II had already touched Europe.

Vocal and choral creativity

The vocal work of S.V. Rachmaninov as a whole is marked by a tendency towards a gradual strengthening of the role of the declamatory principle (cycle of romances op. 26, 1906; in subsequent cycles op. 34 and 38 this tendency will manifest itself even more clearly).

One of the most significant philosophical works The composer is the poem “Bells” for orchestra, choir and soloists on lyrics. Edgar Poe in a free retelling by Balmont (1913). This work - an example of a mixed genre that combines the features of a symphony and an oratorio.

The other side of the composer’s ideological aspirations in "All-Night Vigil"(1915, for a capella choir) based on the canonized liturgical text. Its most important feature is the deep nationality of its figurative structure and intonation content. The composer here uses the melodies of Znamenny and other ancient chants, realizing discoveries in the field of polyphonic choral presentation, harmonization of musical fabric, and its intonational nature.

Rachmaninov's operatic work

The basis of the operas " Stingy Knight"(1905, based on the text of the tragedy by A. Pushkin) and "Francesca da Rimini" (1905, after Dante, libretto by Tchaikovsky), containing signs of the genre of small opera, based on the tragedy. In addition, in 1906 the composer created the opera “Salambo” (libretto by M. Slonov, now lost), and from 1907. worked on the opera “Mona Vanna” (based on Maeterlinck), but left it unfinished, no longer turning to the opera genre in his work.

Maintaining throughout creative path close connection with tradition, the composer S.V. Rachmaninov developed, updated, and rethought them in his works. The highest evaluation criteria for him are spontaneity and sincerity of expression, which, in interaction with the extraordinary beauty, depth and power of impact of his music, make it immortal and relevant, placing it above the boundaries of time.

This is the topic we have prepared online crossword about the music of this master -

Sergei Rachmaninov (whose work and biography is studied in all music educational institutions not only in our country, but also in the world) is a great Russian composer, as well as a pianist and conductor. He is the author of a huge number of works of various genres - from sketches to operas. S. Rachmaninov's music is imbued with romance, energy, lyricism and freedom.

Briefly about the composer

Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov, biography, whose photos are presented in this article, was outstanding composer. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky himself, when he first heard the conservatory student S. Rachmaninoff, predicted a great future for him. The composer had an unusually excellent ear and excellent musical memory. The first opera written by S. Rachmaninov, “Aleko” was staged in Bolshoi Theater, when the author was only 20 years old. Since 1894 S.V. Rachmaninov began his teaching career. During the years of the Revolution, he emigrated from the country and lived the rest of his life abroad, where he was very homesick, but he was not destined to return.

Childhood and youth

The biography of Rachmaninov is interesting starting from his childhood. The composer was born on April 1, 1873. The place of birth has not been precisely established. But Sergei Vasilyevich spent his entire childhood on an estate called Oneg near Novgorod, which belonged to his mother. Although in some sources you can find the statement that he was born in Starorussky district, in the Semyonovo estate. Sergei Vasilievich was not only child in family. In total, his parents had six children. He had two brothers - Arkady and Vladimir, and three sisters - Varvara, Sofia and Elena. S. Rachmaninov studied music from the age of 5.

Biography of Rachmaninov S.V. associated with such names as V.V. Demyansky, Nikolai Zverev and S.I. Taneev. These are three great teachers from whom Sergei Vasilievich studied. Higher musical education the composer began to receive in St. Petersburg. But after 3 years of study he moved to Moscow. Then he studied at the capital's conservatory in two departments: composition and piano. Sergei Vasilievich graduated from the Conservatory with a gold medal. S. Rachmaninov began giving concerts back in student years. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky attended Sergei Vasilyevich’s exam and gave him an A with three pluses.

Composer's parents

Composer Sergei Rachmaninov was born into a family of a military man and a pianist. The biography of his mother Lyubov Butakova is not very well known. She was the daughter of a general. Born in 1853, died in 1929. She graduated from the conservatory in piano. Her teacher was Anton Rubinstein. She had a rich dowry - five estates with large plots of land. One estate was a family estate, the rest were received by her father as a reward for service.

The biography of Vasily Arkadyevich Rachmaninov, the father of the great composer, is connected with the army and music. He was born in 1841 and died at the age of 75. He was an officer, a hussar, and was musically gifted. He entered service at the age of 16 with the rank of non-commissioned officer. A year later he became a cadet, and a year later - an ensign. Then he held the ranks: second lieutenant, cornet, senior adjutant, staff captain, lieutenant. Resigned several times family circumstances and again returned to the ranks of the military.

He was finally dismissed from service for health reasons in 1872. After which he was appointed as a mediator of land delimitation in several districts of the Novgorod province. Over the years military service was awarded: a cross for the conquest of the Caucasus, a Silver medal for the conquest of Chechnya and Dagestan, a medal for the pacification of the Polish rebellion and a silver medal for the conquest of the Western Caucasus.

Sergei Vasilyevich's wife

Biography of Rachmaninov S.V. would not be entirely complete without a story about his beloved wife. Changes occurred in the composer's personal life in 1902. With my future wife He spent almost all of his teenage years with Natalya Satina; they were very friendly. The composer dedicated his famous romance “Don’t sing, beauty, in front of me” to her.

On April 29, 1902, the wedding of a couple in love took place in a small church on the outskirts of Moscow, after which the newlyweds immediately left for the station and went on a trip. They returned to Russia only a few months later.

Soon their eldest daughter Irina was born. Sergei and Natalya were relatives - cousins. At that time, it was forbidden for close relatives to marry; for this it was necessary to obtain permission from the emperor himself, and he gave such permission only in particularly exceptional cases. Sergei Rachmaninov submitted a petition to the Tsar, but the lovers got married without waiting for an answer from him. Everything worked out fine. A few years later their second daughter was born.

Descendants of the great composer

Sergei Rachmaninov was a loving father. The biography of his descendants is also connected with music. The composer had two wonderful daughters who loved their father very much and cherished his memory. Irina studied in the USA and was fluent in two languages ​​- English and French. For a long time lived in Paris. She was the wife of Prince P. Volkonsky. The marriage lasted only 1 year, the husband died, although he was only 28 years old. Second daughter of S.V. Rachmaninova, Tatyana, also studied in America. In the 30s of the 20th century she moved to Paris. Her husband was Boris Konyus, the son of a violinist, composer and teacher, who studied at the conservatory on the same course as her father, S. Rachmaninov.

Alexander Rachmaninov-Konyus is the son of the composer’s daughter Tatyana. He is the only grandson of Sergei Vasilyevich. He inherited his grandfather's letters, his archive and autographs. Alexander was involved in organizing competitions named after his great grandfather, and also held celebrations dedicated to S.V. Rachmaninov in Switzerland.

The most famous opuses

Sergei Rachmaninov wrote a huge number of works. The biography and work of this great Russian composer are significant for our country. He left a huge legacy for posterity.

Works by Sergei Rachmaninov:

• Operas: “The Miserly Knight”, “Francesca da Rimini”, “Aleko”.
• Sonata for cello and piano.
• Concertos for piano and orchestra.
• Vocalise for voice accompanied by piano (dedication to the opera soloist A. Nezhdanova).
• Symphonies.
• Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
• Poems: “Island of the Dead”, “Bells” and “Prince Rostislav”.
• Suite "Symphonic Dances".
• Cantata "Spring".
• Fantasy "Cliff".
• Fantasy pieces for piano.
• Sonatas for piano.
• Capriccio on gypsy themes.
• Pieces for cello and piano.
• Works for a-capella choir: “ All-night vigil" and "Liturgy of John Chrysostom".
• Russian songs for choir and orchestra.
• Pieces for piano 4 hands.

As well as a large number of romances, preludes, Russian songs, etudes and much more.

Conducting activities

The composer Rachmaninov, whose biography is not limited only to performing and composing activities, began conducting in 1897. He served as conductor at the opera house famous philanthropist Savva Mamontov. Here Sergei Vasilyevich met Fyodor Chaliapin, with whom he was on friendly terms all his life. In 1898, Sergei Rachmaninov was on tour in Crimea with opera house, there he met Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. A year later, conductor S. Rachmaninov went on tour abroad for the first time - to England.

Emigration

During the revolution of 1917, Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov went on tour abroad. The composer never returned to Russia. The family first settled in Denmark, and a year later moved to America. Sergei Vasilyevich lived there until his death. He was very homesick and dreamed of returning. For a long time, living in exile, he did not write new works. Only 10 years later the muse visited him again, he continued his work as a composer, but performed extremely rarely as a conductor. Most of the works written by Sergei Vasilyevich abroad are imbued with longing for home country. In America, S. Rachmaninov was a huge success. The composer died on March 28, 1943. Buried near New York.

This article gives full biography Rachmaninov - from childhood to last days life.

S. Rachmaninov was a passionate, honest person, demanding of others and himself. Biography, Interesting Facts from which this evidences, was considered by us in this article. But few people know that:

• as a child, Sergei Vasilyevich loved to visit monasteries with his grandmother and listen to the ringing of bells;
• the composer's grandfather was an amateur pianist, took lessons from John Field, wrote music, and several of his works were published;
• at the age of 4, Sergei Vasilyevich already knew how to play four hands in a duet with his grandfather;
• the composer's first love was Vera Skalon, she also fell in love with the young S. Rachmaninoff, he dedicated the romance “In the Silence of the Secret Night” and several other works to her, wrote touching letters to her;
• Sergei Vasilievich was very punctual;
• when the composer was angry, his face became scary;
• S. Rachmaninov had a very quiet voice;
• the composer did not like to be photographed;
• preferred Russian cuisine;
• S. Rachmaninov's favorite pastimes are horse riding, skating, swimming, cars and motor boats, agriculture.

Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov is a great Russian composer, also famous as a pianist and conductor. He first gained fame while still a student, as he wrote a number of very popular romances, the famous Prelude, the First Piano Concerto and the opera “Aleko”, which was staged at the Bolshoi Theater. In his work, he synthesized two main Russian schools of composition, Moscow and St. Petersburg, and created his own unique style, which became the pearl of classical music.

Sergei was born in the Semyonovo estate, located in the Novgorod province, but grew up on the Oneg estate, which belonged to his father, nobleman Vasily Arkadyevich. The composer's mother, Lyubov Petrovna, was the daughter of the director of the Arakcheevsky Cadet Corps.

S. Rachmaninov in childhood

Rachmaninov, apparently, inherited his musical talent from male line. His grandfather was a pianist and performed in concerts in many cities Russian Empire. Dad was also known as an excellent musician, but he only played with friends. X.

Parents: mother Lyubov Petrovna and father Vasily Arkadyevich

Sergei Rachmaninoff became interested in the music in his very early years. His first teacher was his mother, who introduced the child to the basics of musical notation, then he studied with a visiting pianist, and at the age of 9 he entered the junior class of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. But finding himself at such an early age to be his own master, the boy could not cope with the temptation and began to skip classes. At a family council, Sergei Rachmaninov briefly explained to his family that he lacked discipline, and the father transferred his son to Moscow, to a private boarding school for musically gifted children. The students of this institution were under constant supervision, honed their playing of instruments for six hours a day and without fail went to the Philharmonic and the Opera House.

Sergei Rachmaninov in childhood

However, four years later, having quarreled with his mentor, the talented teenager quits his studies. He remained to live in Moscow, as his relatives sheltered him, and only in 1988 he continued his studies, already at the senior department of the Moscow Conservatory, from which he graduated with a gold medal at the age of 19 in two areas - as a pianist and as a composer. By the way, even at a tender age Sergei Rachmaninov short biography who is inextricably linked with the greatest Russian musicians, met Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was thanks to him that the first opera young talent“Aleko” based on the work of A. S. Pushkin was staged on the stage of the Moscow Bolshoi Theater.

Sergei Rachmaninov in his youth

After graduating from the conservatory, the young man began teaching young ladies at women's institutes. Sergei Rachmaninov also taught piano privately, although he never liked being a teacher. Later, the composer took the place of conductor at the Moscow Bolshoi Theater and led the orchestra when they staged performances from the Russian repertoire. Another conductor, the Italian I. K. Altani, was responsible for foreign productions. When did it happen October Revolution 1917, Rachmaninov did not accept her, so at the first opportunity he emigrated from Russia. He took advantage of the invitation to give a concert in Stockholm and never returned from there.

Sergei Rachmaninov

It should be noted that in Europe Sergei Vasilyevich was left without money and property, since otherwise he would not have been allowed to go abroad. He decided to perform as a pianist. Sergei Rachmaninov gave concert after concert and very quickly paid off his debts, and also gained enormous fame. At the end of 1918, the musician sailed by boat to New York, where he was greeted as a hero and a star of the first magnitude. In the USA, Rachmaninov continued to tour as a pianist, and occasionally as a conductor, and did not stop this activity until the end of his life.

Americans literally idolized the Russian composer, and a crowd of photographers always followed him. Sergei even had to use tricks to get rid of the annoying attention. For example, he often rented a hotel room but slept in a private railroad car to confuse reporters.

Works by Rachmaninoff

While still a student at the conservatory, Rachmaninov became famous at the Moscow level. It was then that he wrote the First Piano Concerto, Prelude in C sharp minor, which became his calling card on long years, as well as many lyrical romances. But the career that had started so successfully was interrupted due to the failure of the First Symphony. After its performance in St. Petersburg concert hall The composer received a barrage of criticism and devastating reviews.

Romance “It’s good here...” by Sergei Rachmaninov performed by Anna Netrebko

For more than three years, Sergei Vasilyevich did not compose anything, was depressed and lay on the couch at home almost all the time. Only by resorting to the help of a hypnotist did the young man manage to overcome his creative crisis.

In 1901, Rachmaninov finally wrote a new great work, "Second Piano Concerto". And this opus is still considered one of the greatest works of classical music.

S.V.RachmaninovPlaysHisconcertoNo2

Even modern musicians note the influence of this creation. For example, based on it Matthew Bellamy, frontman of the group “Muse", created such compositions as "SpaceDementia», « Megalomania" And "RuledbySecret" You can feel the melody of the Russian composer in the songs “TheFallenPriest" Freddie Mercury, "AllbyMyself"Celine Dion and "IThinkofYou» Frank Sinatra.

The symphonic poem “Island of the Dead”, “Symphony No. 2”, which, unlike the first, was a tremendous success with the public, as well as the very complex “Piano Sonata No. 2” turned out to be absolutely stunning. In it, Rachmaninov made extensive use of the effect of dissonance and developed its application to the maximum level.

Anna Moffo: S. Rachmaninoff, “Vocalise”. Op. 34 No 14

Speaking about the work of the Russian composer, one cannot help but mention the magically beautiful “Vocalise”. This work was published as part of the collection of Fourteen Songs, but is usually performed alone and is an indication of the performance's mastery. Today there are versions of “Vocalise” not only for voice, but also for piano, violin and other instruments, including with orchestra.

After emigration, Sergei Vasilyevich did not write significant works for a very long time. Only in 1927 did he release Piano Concerto No. 4 and several Russian songs. Behind last years Rachmaninov created only three lives musical works- “Symphony No. 3”, “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and Orchestra” and “Symphonic Dances”. But it is noteworthy that all three belong to the pinnacle of world classical music.

Personal life

Rachmaninov was a very amorous man, in whose heart feelings for the ladies around him repeatedly flared up. And it was precisely thanks to such emotionality that the composer’s romances turned out to be so lyrical. Sergei was about 17 years old when he met the Skalon sisters. The young man especially singled out one of them, Vera, whom he called either Verochka or “My Psychopath”. Rachmaninov's romantic feeling turned out to be mutual, but at the same time purely platonic. The young man dedicated the song “In the Silence of the Secret Night,” a romance for cello and piano, as well as the second part of his First Piano Concerto, to Vera Scalon.

After returning to Moscow, Sergei writes the girl a huge number of love letters, of which about a hundred have survived. But at the same time, the ardent young man falls in love with Anna Lodyzhenskaya, the wife of his friend. For her, he composes the romance “Oh no, I pray you don’t go!”, which has become a classic. And Rachmaninov met his future wife, Natalya Alexandrovna Satina, much earlier, because she was the daughter of the very relatives who sheltered him when Sergei dropped out of school at the boarding house.

With daughters Irina and Tatyana

In 1893, Rachmaninov realized that he was in love and gave his beloved a new romance, “Don’t sing, beauty, in front of me.” The personal life of Sergei Rachmaninov changes nine years later - Natalya becomes the official wife of the young composer, and a year later - his mother eldest daughter Irina.

Dinara Aliyeva - “Don’t sing beauty in front of me...”

Rachmaninov also had a second daughter, Tatyana, who was born in 1907. But Sergei Vasilyevich’s love of love did not exhaust itself there. One of the “muses” of the Russian classical legend was the young singer Nina Koshits, for whom he specially wrote a number of vocal parts. But after Sergei Vasilyevich emigrated, he was accompanied on his tours only by his wife, whom Rachmaninov called “the good genius of my whole life.”

Sergei Rachmaninov and his wife Natalya Satina

Despite the fact that the composer and pianist spent most of his time in the United States, he often visited Switzerland, where he built the luxurious Senar villa, which offers an amazing view of Lake Firvaldstät and Mount Pilatus. The name of the villa is an abbreviation of the names of its owners - Sergei and Natalia Rachmaninov. In this house, the man fully realized his long-time passion for technology. There you could find both an elevator and a toy store. railway, and one of the new products of that time - a vacuum cleaner. The composer was also the holder of a patent for his invention: he created a special muff with a heating pad attached to it, in which pianists could warm their hands before a concert. Also in the star’s garage there was always a brand new Cadillac or Continental, which he changed every year.

With grandchildren Sofinka Volkonskaya and Sasha Konyus

The biography of Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov would be incomplete if we did not talk about his love for Russia. All his life the composer remained a patriot; in exile he surrounded himself with Russian friends, Russian servants, and Russian books. But he didn’t want to come back because he didn’t recognize Soviet power. However, when Nazi Germany attacked the USSR, Rachmaninov was almost on the verge of panic. He began sending money collected from many concerts to the Red Army Fund and encouraged many of his acquaintances to follow his example.

Death

All his life, Sergei Vasilyevich smoked a lot, almost never parting with cigarettes. Most likely it's this one bad habit caused melanoma in the composer in his declining years. True, Rachmaninov himself cancer did not suspect, he worked until his last days and just a month and a half before his death he gave grand concert in the USA, which became his last.

The great Russian composer did not live to see his 70th birthday by only three days. He died in his California apartment in Beverly Hills on March 28, 1943.

Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov was born in the Novgorod province in April 1873. The future composer received his first piano lessons from his mother. When Seryozha turned 4 years old, she began to spend time with him music lessons. And they did not pass without a trace.

S.V.: studying at the conservatory

When Seryozha was 9 years old, his family moved to the northern capital. The boy was immediately sent to study at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He ended up in Professor Demyansky's class. Three years later, Sergei had to transfer to the Moscow Conservatory, as his parents moved to this city. In 1892 he graduated educational institution c As work for the exam, he wrote the opera “Aleko”, consisting of one act. In the same year, it was successfully staged on the stage of the Moscow Bolshoi Theater.

Biography of S. V. Rachmaninov: first performances

Sergei Vasilyevich appeared before the public as a talented pianist back in the winter of 1892. Everyone quickly became convinced of his extraordinary abilities. Even then, Rachmaninov’s playing was bright, strong, sounded rich and intense, and was distinguished by sharp rhythm. The composer's strong-willed intensity captured, captivated and attracted the attention of listeners and spectators.

Biography of S. V. Rachmaninov: recognition and first failure

His fantasy “The Cliff” brought real fame to the talented symphonist. It was written almost immediately after completing my studies at the conservatory. The press noted the subtlety and richness, harmony and brightness of the work, and the poetry of its mood. Of course, Rachmaninov’s individual charming style as a composer was felt already in the first experiments. In 1897, his First Symphony failed. Rachmaninov put so much mental energy and labor into it and at the same time remained misunderstood by the majority of musicians and critics.

This became a deep mental trauma for him. For some time, Rachmaninov fell silent: he was critically rethinking everything that he had created earlier. But the result of intense internal work was a colossal burst of creativity.

Biography of S. V. Rachmaninov: the first years of the 20th century

At this time, the composer composed a number of beautiful works in different genres. In 1901, Rachmaninov appeared before the public in a completely new light. The second piano concerto showed him as a creator who has all the means new technology. Another undoubted creative success of Rachmaninov was the Second Suite. Due to the nature of the music, at some points it even had something in common with the concert. The operas “Francesca da Rimini” and “The Miserly Knight” were shown during one evening on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater. They caused a lot of disagreement and controversy, although they were met with interest. A special place in the composer's work is given to romances. The piano accompaniment of these works is distinguished by its variety of forms and colorfulness.

S. V. Rachmaninov. Brief biography: emigration

The composer first successfully toured America in 1909. But then he had no idea of ​​staying abroad. But when Rachmaninov happened in his homeland, unlike many, he was sure that old Russia the end has come, and he will have no life here as an artist. Unexpectedly, he received an invitation from Sweden. He was offered to take part in a concert in Stockholm. Sergei Vasilyevich took advantage of this opportunity and, together with his wife and children, left Russia in 1917. First he goes to Switzerland, and from there to Paris. And since 1935, his family has lived in the USA. Only 10 years later, after a long break in creativity, he completed the Fourth Piano Concerto, which he began before the First World War, and processed several folk songs for choir and orchestra. Rachmaninov was very homesick for his homeland. He collected Soviet records, read all the press and books coming from the USSR.

Sergei Rachmaninov. Biography: last years of life

The composer's final concert season opened in 1942. It has begun solo performance autumn in Detroit. A month later, Rachmaninov donated a large amount of money from a concert held in New York to military needs, not for the first time. Part of the money went to the American Red Cross, and part was transferred to Russia through the Consul General. After a debilitating illness in March 1943, Sergei Vasilyevich died in Beverly Hills, surrounded by his closest people.

Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov was born on March 20 (April 1), 1873 in the Oneg estate (according to other sources - in the Semenovo estate) of the Novgorod province in noble family. Future composer with early years He was fond of music, already at the age of 5 he played the piano under the direction of A. Ornatskaya.

In 1882, nine-year-old Rachmaninov entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Since 1885, he studied first at the junior (in the class of N. Zverev), and then at the senior department of the Moscow Conservatory with A. Ziloti, S. Taneyev, A. Arensky.

A short biography of Rachmaninov would be incomplete without mentioning that during his years of study, the musician created a number of iconic works, including the 1st piano concerto (1891). In 1893, Sergei Vasilyevich graduated from the Moscow Conservatory in piano and composition with a gold medal.

Becoming a musician

After graduating from the conservatory, Rachmaninov studied teaching activities. In 1897 he conducted at the Moscow Russian Private Opera, where he met Fyodor Chaliapin.

Even from his studies at the conservatory, Sergei Vasilyevich gained fame as talented musician, however, his popularity was interrupted after the unsuccessful premiere of the 1st symphony. Sharp criticism Caesar Cui, N. Rimsky-Korsakov became the reason deep depression, Rachmaninov, whose biography had never experienced creative crises before. For almost three years the composer created practically nothing.

In 1901, Rachmaninov completed his 2nd piano concert. Since 1904 he worked as a conductor at the Bolshoi Theater. Since 1906, Sergei Vasilyevich has been traveling around the world, visiting Italy, Germany, America, and Canada. In 1909 he created the 3rd piano concerto.

Life and work abroad

Having spent a short time in Russia, at the end of 1917 Rachmaninov again went on tour to Europe - first to Sweden, and then to Denmark, from where he never returned to his homeland. In 1918, the composer played his 2nd piano concert in Copenhagen.

At the end of 1918, Sergei Vasilyevich left for the USA. Despite the stormy concert activities, at this time he practically did not create anything new. Only in 1926 - 1927 did the 4th piano concerto and series appear small works. In 1941, Rachmaninov completed his greatest work- “Symphonic dances”.

Rachmaninov Sergei Vasilievich died on March 28, 1943 in Beverly Hills in the USA. The great composer was buried in the Kensico Cemetery.