Sergei Rachmaninov: life and brilliant creativity. Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov - creative biography, photo, personal life, family, children: “What takes away life, music returns” The pearl of creativity of the composer Sergei Rachmaninov

Sergei Rachmaninov's biography is briefly outlined in this article.

Rachmaninov Sergei Vasilievich short biography

Sergei Rakhmaninov- Russian composer, pianist, conductor.

Was born March 20, 1873 V noble family. For a long time, the place of birth was considered to be the estate of his parents Oneg, not far from Novgorod, but research in recent years names the Semyonovo estate in the Starorussky district of the Novgorod province.

From a young age, Sergei Rachmaninov began to systematically study music. In 1882 he entered the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

In 1885 he moved to Moscow and became a student at the Moscow Conservatory. Here Sergei Rachmaninov first met Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The famous composer noticed a capable student and closely followed his progress.

In 1891, Rachmaninov graduated from the Conservatory with a Grand Gold Medal as a pianist, and in 1892 - as a composer. In the winter of 1892, Rachmaninov's public performances as a pianist began.

Rachmaninov's bright artistic individuality was revealed during his conservatory years - in the First Piano Concerto (1891) and the opera "Aleko"(1892) The symphonic fantasy “The Cliff” (1893), the First Symphony (1895), and others, written soon, testified to the diversity of his creative interests.

The real flourishing came at the beginning of the 20th century with the creation of such wonderful works as the Second (1901) and Third (1909) piano concertos, the Second Symphony (1907), piano preludes and etudes-pictures.

Rachmaninov's first foreign performance took place in London in 1899. In 1900 he visited Italy.

In 1898–1900 he repeatedly performed in an ensemble with Fyodor Chaliapin.

In 1904–1906, Rachmaninov worked as a conductor at the Bolshoi Theater, wrote two one-act operas - “Francesca da Rimini” (1904) to a libretto by Modest Tchaikovsky after Dante Alighieri and “The Miserly Knight” (1904) after Pushkin.

Major instrumental opuses of the 1900s are Symphony No. 2 (1907) and Concerto No. 3 for piano and orchestra (1909). The symphonic poem “Island of the Dead” (1909), inspired by the painting of the same name by the Swiss painter Arnold Böcklin, popular at the turn of the century, stands out with its gloomy coloring.

Since 1906, Rachmaninov spent three winters in Dresden, returning home in the summer. He performed quite often in Europe at that time as a pianist and conductor. In 1907 he took part in Russian historical concerts organized by Sergei Diaghilev in Paris, in 1909 he performed for the first time in the USA, and in 1910–1911 he played in England and Germany.

In the 1910s, Rachmaninoff paid much attention to large choral forms.

In December 1917, Rachmaninov went on tour to Scandinavia and never returned to Russia.

In America, Sergei Rachmaninov achieved enormous success. Since 1918, the composer lived in America, where he achieved enormous success. In the USA he toured a lot and composed little. It was only in 1941 that Rachmaninov’s greatest work, “Symphonic Dances,” was created.

During the Second World War, Rachmaninov gave several concerts in the United States and sent all the money collected to the Soviet Army Foundation, which provided it with very significant assistance.

March 28, 1943 Rachmaninoff died after a serious illness surrounded by his loved ones in Beverly Hills, California, USA.

Rachmaninov was married to Natalya Satina, a relative of his father. In 1903, a daughter, Irina, was born into the Rachmaninov family, and in 1907, Tatyana.

Born on March 20, 1873 in the Novgorod province on the Oneg estate and comes from an ancient noble family. The child’s attraction to music was evident at a very early age, and for four years he was taking music lessons from his mother, and then until the age of 9 his classes were supervised by the pianist Ornatskaya. From 1882 he studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory under the guidance of professors F.P. Demyansky and Sacchetti, from 1885 - at the Moscow Conservatory under N.S. Zverev and A.I. Ziloti, S.I. Taneev and A.S. Arensky (composition). During the years of study, he composed a number of works, incl. romance “In the Silence of a Secret Night.”

He graduated from the Moscow Conservatory in piano (1891) and composition (1892, with a large gold medal). Rachmaninov’s diploma work was the one-act opera “Aleko” (libretto by V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko based on the poem “Gypsies” by A.S. Pushkin), which was performed for the first time in April 1893 at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

As a pianist, Rachmaninov performed for the first time in the fall of 1892 at the Moscow Electric Exhibition in a concert conducted by Hlavach, and as a composer - in one of the symphonic meetings of the 1892-93 season, where dances from his opera "Aleko". In the same year, the 1st piano concerto opus 1 was written, performed for the first time in 1895 abroad by A.I. Ziloti (2nd edition - 1917); two pieces for cello and 5 for piano. In 1893, 6 romances were written (opus 4), the first suite for two pianos, 2 pieces for violin, fantasy for orchestra “The Cliff” (first performance on March 20, 1894 in a symphony meeting), then 6 more romances (opus 8) and an elegiac trio in memory of P.I. Tchaikovsky, performed in 1894 in his own concert.

In 1894, 7 pieces were written for piano, 6 pieces for piano 4 hands, and “Capriccio on Gypsy Themes” for orchestra, performed in 1895 by a symphony orchestra under the direction of the author. In 1896, the 1st symphony, written a year earlier, was performed for the first time in St. Petersburg at the Russian Symphony Collection under the direction of Glazunov. In the same year, 12 romances, 6 choirs for female voices and 6 pieces for piano were published.

From September 1897, Rachmaninov was invited as a conductor to the Moscow Private Opera, where he stayed for two seasons (here his friendship with F.I. Chaliapin began). During these two years, due to lack of time, he wrote nothing, and only at the end of 1899 his romance “Fate” was published, performed in March 1900. The following year, 1901, he wrote the second suite for two pianos, opus 17, performed for the first time on 24 November at the Philharmonic Assembly; then the second concert for piano and orchestra, performed by the author at the first Philharmonic Assembly on October 27, and the sonata for piano and cello (opus 19) - first performance on December 2, 1901 in charity concert.

In 1904 - 1906 Rachmaninov was the conductor of the Bolshoi Theater and the symphony concerts of the Circle of Russian Music Lovers. Since 1900, he constantly gave concerts as a pianist and conductor in Russia and abroad (in 1907 - 14 - in a number of European countries, in 1909 - 10 - in the USA and Canada). In 1909 - 12 participated in the activities of the Russian Musical Society (one of the inspectors of the directorate), in 1909 - 1717. - Russian music publishing house.

At the same time, he wrote the symphonic poem “Island of the Dead” (based on the painting by A. Beklin, 1902), the operas “The Miserly Knight” (after Pushkin) and “Francesca da Rimini” (after Dante, both 1904), the 2nd symphony ( 1907), cantata “Spring” (1908), 3rd concert for piano and orchestra (1909), poem “Bells” for orchestra, choir and soloists (1913), “ All-night vigil"for choir a capella (1915); 2 sonatas (1907, 1913); 23 preludes, 17 etudes-pictures (1911, 1917) for piano.

In December 1917, Rachmaninov went on tour to Scandinavia, and in 1918 he moved to the USA. In 1918 - 1943 he was mainly engaged in concert pianistic activities (USA and Europe). Works - 4th concert (1926), “Rhapsody on Themes of Paganini” (1934) for piano and orchestra, “Three Russian Songs” for orchestra and choir (1926), “Variations on a Theme of Corelli” for piano (1931), 3 th Symphony (1936), “Symphonic Dances” (1940). In 1941-1942 performed concerts, the proceeds from which he donated to help Soviet army.

Rachmaninov - one of the greatest musicians turn of the XIX century- XX centuries His art is distinguished by vital truthfulness, democratic orientation, sincerity and emotional fullness of artistic expression. He followed the best traditions of musical classics, primarily Russian. Rachmaninov’s acutely lyrical sense of the era of grandiose social upheavals is associated with the embodiment of images of the homeland. Rachmaninov was a soulful singer of Russian nature. In his works, passionate impulses of irreconcilable protest and quiet contemplation, trembling alertness and strong-willed determination, gloomy tragedy and enthusiastic anthemism closely coexist.

Rachmaninov's music, which has inexhaustible melodic and subvocal polyphonic richness, absorbed Russian folk song origins and some features of Znamenny chant.

One of the original foundations musical style Rachmaninov - an organic combination of breadth and freedom of melodic breathing with rhythmic energy. A nationally colorful feature of the harmonic language is the diverse implementation of bell sonorities. Rachmaninov developed the achievements of Russian lyric-dramatic and epic symphonism. The theme of the homeland, central to Rachmaninov’s mature work, was most fully embodied in his major instrumental works, especially in the 2nd and 3rd piano concertos, refracting in a lyrical-tragic aspect in the composer’s later works.

The name of Rachmaninov as a pianist is on a par with the names of F. Liszt and A. Rubinstein. Phenomenal technique, melodious depth of tone, flexible and imperious rhythm, were completely subordinated in Rachmaninov's playing to high spirituality and bright originality of expression. Rachmaninov was also one of the greatest opera and symphony conductors of his time.

S.V. Rachmaninov died on March 28, 1943 in Beverly Hills, California, and was buried in Valhalla, near New York.

With Sergey Vasilievich Rachmaninov, hereditary Russian nobleman, genius pianist and composer, became a symbol of Russian music throughout the world. After the October Revolution, he emigrated to America and lived there the last third of his life, but Rachmaninoff’s musical works were known throughout the world, not excluding the Soviet Union.

Five with three pluses

Sergei Rachmaninov was born in the Semenovo estate, Novgorod province (according to other sources, in the Oneg estate, Starorussky district, Novgorod province) in April 1873. The Rachmaninov family was very musical. My grandfather studied with the famous teacher and composer John Field in Russia, and several romances and piano pieces by him, published in the 18th century, have survived. His father, a hereditary Tambov nobleman, was also fond of music, but did not play professionally. Sergei Rachmaninov's first music teacher was his mother Lyubov Rakhmaninova, daughter of General Pyotr Butakov, director of the Arakcheevsky Cadet Corps.

When Sergei Rachmaninov was 8 years old, the family moved to St. Petersburg. In the fall of 1882, the boy entered the junior department of the St. Petersburg Conservatory in the class of Vladimir Demyansky. At first young musician I was burdened with my classes and often skipped them. But later he met his cousin, the young but already famous Moscow pianist Alexander Ziloti. Ziloti listened to the boy's play and convinced his parents to send Rachmaninoff to Moscow to apprentice with Nikolai Zverev. The famous teacher ran a private boarding school for gifted students in his house and, under conditions of the strictest discipline, taught them six hours a day.

In 1888, Rachmaninov continued his studies at the senior department of the Moscow Conservatory in the class of Ziloti. He graduated from the conservatory as a pianist and composer, receiving a Grand Gold Medal for his graduation work - the one-act opera "Aleko". Tchaikovsky, who took the exam from young composer, gave the opera a rating of “five with three pluses” and recommended it for production at the Bolshoi Theater.

From the first symphony to the “symphonic dances”

Sergei Rachmaninov with his wife. Photo: clubintimlife.ru

Young Rachmaninov quickly became a favorite of the Moscow public: he was known as a talented pianist, composer and conductor. But in 1897, the musician suffered a real failure: composer Alexander Glazunov performed his First Symphony in St. Petersburg extremely unsuccessfully. The reviews were devastating. Rachmaninov's innovative work was not accepted by either critics or the public. The composer fell into depression and for almost four years did not compose anything and practically did not leave the house.

A new stage in his life and career began in 1901, when the composer completed his Second Piano Concerto. The composition returned Rachmaninov to the status of famous Russian musician: he wrote a lot, conducted performances organized by Siloti, and traveled with concerts to Europe, America and Canada. The composer took the position of conductor at the Bolshoi Theater, where he directed the entire Russian opera repertoire for several seasons, and headed the artistic council of the Russian Music Publishing House.

In 1902, Sergei Rachmaninov married his cousin, the daughter of a state councilor, Natalya Satina. They had two daughters - Tatyana and Irina.

Shortly after the 1917 revolution, the composer was invited to perform at a concert in Stockholm. Rachmaninov left Russia - together with his family, practically without a livelihood. The revolution, the death of imperial Russia, the destruction of foundations became a real tragedy for him. However, Rachmaninov had to provide for his family and pay off his debts, so he again began to play the piano and give concerts. The pianist captivated European audiences, and in 1918 he left for America, where he continued to give concerts. Critics and listeners recognized him as one of the greatest pianists and conductors of the era.

Sergei Rachmaninov. Photo: classicalarchives.com

Sergei Rachmaninov. Photo: meloman.ru

Sergei Rachmaninov. Photo: novostimira.net

For almost the entire first 10 years of emigration, Rachmaninov could not write: “After leaving Russia, I lost the desire to compose. Having lost my homeland, I lost myself...". He created his first composition - the Fourth Concerto and Russian Songs - only in 1926–1927.

Rachmaninov was intolerant of Soviet power, but was not indifferent to his former compatriots. During the Second World War, he transferred proceeds from concerts to the Red Army Fund and the USSR Defense Fund - with this money a military aircraft was built in Russia. “From one of the Russians, all possible assistance to the Russian people in their fight against the enemy. I want to believe, I believe in complete victory.", wrote the musician.

In the last years of his life, Rachmaninov created “Symphonic Dances,” which music researchers consider one of his best works. All this time he continued to perform - and his last concert gave 6 weeks before death. The composer died in 1943; he was only a few days short of his 70th birthday. Rachmaninoff was buried in Kensico Cemetery in New York next to his wife and daughter.

Sergei Vasilievich 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 a pearl classical music.

Senard

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. Rachmaninov apparently inherited his musical talent through the 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 friendly companies.

Parents: mother Lyubov Petrovna and father Vasily Arkadyevich

Sergei Rachmaninov 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 Opera theatre.

Photo of Sergei Rachmaninoff as a child | Senard

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, whose short biography 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.

Senard

After graduating from the conservatory, the young man began teaching young ladies at women's institutes. Sergei Rachmaninov also taught piano privately, although he always did not like 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 Vasilievich Rachmaninov | Senard

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

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 business 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. 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 greatest works classical music. 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 “Space Dementia”, “Megalomania” and “Ruled by Secrecy”. You can also feel the melody of the Russian composer in the songs “The Fallen Priest”, “All by Myself” and “I Think of You” by 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. 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. In the last years of his life, Rachmaninov created only three 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.

Senard

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 with my future wife, Natalya Alexandrovna Satina, Rachmaninov met 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 | Senard

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. 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 | Senard

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 | Senard

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 refused to return because he did not 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 did not suspect about cancer, he worked until his last days and only a month and a half before his death gave grand concert in the USA, which was his last.

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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.

Russian composer, pianist, conductor

short biography

Sergei Vasilyevich Rahmaninov(April 1, 1873, Semyonovo, Novgorod province - March 28, 1943, Beverly Hills, USA) - Russian composer, pianist, conductor. He synthesized in his work the principles of the St. Petersburg and Moscow schools of composition (as well as the traditions of Western European music) and created his own original style.

Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov was born into a noble family. For a long time, the place of birth was considered to be the estate of his parents Oneg, not far from Novgorod, but research in recent years names the Semyonovo estate in the Starorussky district of the Novgorod province.

The composer's father, Vasily Arkadyevich (1841–1916), came from the nobility of the Tambov province. Family legend traces the origin of the Rachmaninov family to the “grandson of the Moldavian ruler Stephen the Great” Vasily, nicknamed Rachmanin. Mother, Lyubov Petrovna (nee Butakova) is the daughter of the director of the Arakcheevsky Cadet Corps, General P.I. Butakov. The composer's paternal grandfather, Arkady Alexandrovich, was a musician, studied piano with John Field and gave concerts in Tambov, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Romances and piano pieces of his composition have been preserved, including “Farewell Gallop for 1869” for piano four hands. Rachmaninov's father was also a musically gifted person, but he played music only amateurishly.

S. V. Rachmaninov’s interest in music was revealed in early childhood. His first piano lessons were given to him by his mother, then music teacher A.D. Ornatskaya was invited. With her support, in the fall of 1882, Rachmaninov entered the junior department of the St. Petersburg Conservatory in the class of V.V. Demyansky. Education at the St. Petersburg Conservatory went poorly, since Rachmaninov often skipped classes, so at the family council it was decided to transport the boy to Moscow and settle in private boarding house famous music teacher, professor of the Moscow Conservatory N. S. Zverev. So in the fall of 1885, Rachmaninov moved to Moscow, to a boarding school, and at the same time was accepted into the third year of the junior department of the Moscow Conservatory in the class of Professor Zverev. Strict discipline reigned at Zverev's boarding school: students had to study for six hours a day. A visit was required opera performances and ensemble music playing, including on several pianos. Rachmaninov spent four years in the Zverev boarding house (where different years pianists A. I. Ziloti, K. N. Igumnov, F. F. Keneman, L. A. Maksimov, M. L. Presman, A. N. Koreshchenko also lived). Here, at the age of 13, Rachmaninov was introduced to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. However, four years later, a quarrel occurred between Rachmaninov and Zverev; Rachmaninov left the boarding school, but remained in Moscow, where he was sheltered by his relatives, the Satins, whose daughter, also a pianist, he later married.

In 1888, Rachmaninov continued his studies at the senior department of the Moscow Conservatory in the piano class of his cousin A. I. Ziloti, and a year later, under the guidance of S. I. Taneyev and A. S. Arensky, he began to study composition.

At the age of 19, Rachmaninov graduated from the conservatory as a pianist and composer with a large gold medal. Already at the conservatory he gained fame among the Moscow public. While studying at the conservatory, he had already written the First Piano Concerto, a number of romances and pieces for piano, including the Prelude in C sharp minor (op.3 No. 2), which later became one of the most famous works Rachmaninov. The diploma work was Rachmaninov’s first opera, “Aleko,” written based on A. S. Pushkin’s work “Gypsies.” P. I. Tchaikovsky really liked the opera, at his insistence the opera was staged at the Bolshoi Theater itself, and he even tried to include it in the Bolshoi Theater repertoire along with his opera “Iolanta,” but soon Tchaikovsky unexpectedly fell ill and died, and his plan was not implemented.

At the age of 20, in order to earn money, Rachmaninov became a teacher at the Moscow Mariinsky Institute, and then at the Elizabeth and Catherine Women's Institutes. Rachmaninov also began giving private lessons, which, however, he really did not like. At the age of 24, Rachmaninov, at the invitation of Savva Mamontov, became the second conductor of the Moscow Russian Private Opera, where he worked for only one season, but managed to make a noticeable creative contribution and became famous as a conductor. Rachmaninov and Fyodor Chaliapin became friends there. Rachmaninov decided to leave the theater to concentrate on composition.

Rachmaninov early, while still studying at the Moscow Conservatory, gained fame as a composer, pianist and conductor. He was adored by the Moscow public. However, his successful career was interrupted on March 15, 1897 by the unsuccessful premiere of the First Symphony in St. Petersburg. Composer A.K. Glazunov then got the idea to introduce the capital to the music of the young Moscow talent, but the premiere ended in complete failure, both due to poor quality performance by the conductor (Glazunov was inexperienced), and - mainly - because of the innovative nature of the music, not understood neither by Glazunov himself nor by the St. Petersburg public... The reviews were devastating. Cesar Cui, for example, wrote in his review that “if there were a conservatory in hell, Rachmaninov would undoubtedly be its first student.” Rachmaninov was especially upset by the negative review of N. A. Rimsky-Korsakov, whom he met at the Moscow Russian Private Opera and whose opinion he greatly valued. The failure was the reason deep depression Rachmaninov. “I was like a man who had had a stroke and whose for a long time both the head and the hands were paralyzed…” - this is how Rachmaninov described his condition. For more than three years in 1897-1901, Rachmaninov composed almost nothing, spending most of his time lying on the couch in his room, leaving home only for private lessons. Only with the help of the famous hypnotist Dr. N.V. Dahl was he able to overcome his creative crisis.

In 1901 he completed his Second Piano Concerto, the creation of which marked Rachmaninov’s emergence from the crisis and at the same time the entry into the next, mature period of creativity. Soon he accepted an invitation to take the place of conductor at the Moscow Bolshoi Theater, where for two seasons he conducted the entire Russian operatic repertoire (the foreign repertoire was conducted under the direction of the chief conductor of the Bolshoi Theater, I.K. Altani). After this, having decided to devote himself entirely to composition again, Rachmaninov left Grand Theatre and, having traveled around Italy in 1906, settled for three years in Dresden, where he wrote fruitfully. In 1909, Rachmaninov made a large concert tour of America and Canada, performing as a pianist and conductor. Also in 1909, the Third Piano Concerto was written.

In 1911, Rachmaninov, while in Kyiv, at the request of his friend and colleague A.V. Ossovsky, listened to the young singer Ksenia Derzhinskaya, fully appreciating her talent; then he played big role in the development of the opera career of this famous singer.

Before the revolution, Rachmaninov composed a lot and often performed in Moscow. Concerts organized by A. I. Ziloti, at which Rachmaninov often conducted, were very popular. He was also involved a lot in the affairs of the Russian music publishing house, whose artistic council he headed.

On February 21, 1917, the last concert performance of S. V. Rachmaninov in Petrograd took place in the concert hall of the Tenishevsky School.

Soon after the 1917 revolution in Russia, Rachmaninov took advantage of an unexpected offer from Sweden to perform at a concert in Stockholm and at the end of 1917, together with his wife Natalya Alexandrovna (née Satina; from the Rurikovich family, who lost princely title; was the composer's cousin on his father's side) and his daughters Irina and Tatyana left Russia, practically without funds, leaving all his property.

Rachmaninov in life

According to the memoirs of Rachmaninov’s friend A.F. Gedike, who knew the composer from the time he studied at the Moscow Conservatory until his emigration, Rachmaninov was a truthful and modest person, he never lied and never boasted of anything. He was also very neat and precise, maintained perfect order in his office, was never late, and appreciated these qualities in others. He liked to plan his work schedule in advance for a long time and suffered greatly if he had to break his plans. Any creative hitch very quickly led Rachmaninov to lose faith in himself, he had an obsessive thought that he would never be able to compose anything worthy in his life, and from this he quickly fell into depression. In general, Rachmaninov was prone to a pessimistic, gloomy mood, and he had it much more often than a cheerful one. Rachmaninov was never seriously ill in his youth, but he was extremely suspicious and often believed that he was falling ill with some serious illness. If the doctors managed to convince him, he became cheerful and joyful, but only until the next attack of suspiciousness. In moments of good spirits, Rachmaninov was cheerful and cheerful, but still always restrained and was never fussy. He was distinguished by subtle humor and great powers of observation.

Rachmaninov began composing mostly in the morning, if the work went well, and often stayed up until the evening, but he did not like to work at night. If the work did not go well, Rachmaninov’s mood deteriorated sharply, he could postpone or even abandon the work. Rachmaninov studied the piano irregularly and very little, mainly because everything came to him surprisingly easily on the instrument. If I played for 1 hour a day, then I spent 40 minutes doing exercises and only 20 minutes playing pieces. At home, unlike at concerts, he liked to play quietly, listening to every sound, as if “probing” what was being performed. Many times Rachmaninov's friends were amazed by his incredible musical memory: having heard a large symphonic work only once or twice, he memorized it almost by heart and remembered it for a very long time.

Rachmaninov rarely had guests; he mostly communicated with his wife’s numerous relatives; the family lived very amicably. Among his comrades (infrequently) were: M. A. Slonov, N. S. Morozov, N. G. Struve, A. A. Brandukov, N. K. Medtner, Yu. E. Konyus, A. B. Goldenweiser , A.F. Gedicke. Only occasionally did Rachmaninov go to symphony concerts and even less often to the theater. He spent the summer in the Tambov province on the Satins' estate - Ivanovka, which he loved very much and then bought from his father-in-law. He worked a lot on the estate, sparing no effort and money, loved to delve into economic issues and organize the farm, acquired the latest equipment for agricultural work.

Rachmaninov's organizational talent was even more clearly demonstrated when, at the request of his friend, S. A. Koussevitzky, he headed the artistic council of the Russian Music Publishing House, which he gradually led to worldwide fame, despite enormous competition both in Russia and abroad.

Rachmaninov was very fond of church singing; often, even in winter, he got up at seven o’clock in the morning and, hiring a cab, went to church services, most often to the Androniev Monastery on Taganka. Rachmaninov also loved gypsy singing, sometimes staying until nightfall in the Yar or Strelna restaurants. This caused rumors to spread throughout Moscow that Rachmaninov was a reveler, but this was not true. Rachmaninoff's secluded lifestyle also led to rumors that he drank a lot, but according to family and friends, this was also untrue.

Rachmaninov spoke in a deep, low bass voice, quietly and leisurely. He loved to drive fast. Being a nearsighted person, he drove a car without glasses, which sometimes horrified passengers.

During the difficult years of the civil war, Rachmaninov helped his friends and acquaintances a lot. For some, his food parcels simply saved them from hunger.

In exile

In mid-January 1918, having left Russia, Rachmaninov went through Malmö to Copenhagen. On 15 February he made his first appearance in Copenhagen, where he played his Second Concerto with conductor Georg Höeberg. Realizing that he would not be able to take up composition now, and that he could only earn money as a pianist, he began to train intensively on the piano. By the end of the season, Rachmaninov performed in eleven symphony and chamber concerts, which gave him the opportunity to pay off his debts.

Having regained his fame in Europe, on November 1, 1918, Rachmaninoff and his family sailed from Norway to New York, where he was greeted with great interest. Starting a stormy concert activities in the USA, as a pianist, Rachmaninov did not stop playing until his death, giving many dozens of concerts per season. Rachmaninov's popularity as a pianist was enormous. Almost from his very arrival until his last days, crowds of reporters followed him, the paparazzi resorted to unimaginable tricks to take pictures of Rachmaninov, although he did not like attention to himself, and the reporters annoyed him a lot, sometimes driving him crazy. To hide from excessive attention During his tour of America, Rachmaninov at one time even lived in a personal railway carriage instead of hotels.

Until 1926, Rachmaninov did not write significant works. The creative crisis thus lasted for about 10 years. Many acquaintances associate this with the deep homesickness that he felt. Rachmaninov, despite his fame and various numerous invitations, communicated mainly among Russian emigrants, surrounded himself with Russian friends and Russian servants, objects that reminded him of his homeland. According to the recollections of relatives, only when communicating with Russians was he cheerful and contented. During all the years in exile, Rachmaninov had almost no foreign friends; one of the few exceptions was Frederick Steinway, the head of the Steinway and Sons company, a manufacturer of pianos.

Only in 1926-1927 new works appeared: the Fourth Concerto and three Russian songs. During his life abroad (1918-1943), Rachmaninov created only 6 works, which, however, belong to the peaks of Russian and world music.

Living and performing mainly in the USA, from 1930 to 1940 Rachmaninov spent a lot of time in Switzerland, where he built a luxurious villa “Senar” with a large garden and overlooking Lake Firwaldstätt and Mount Pilatus.. During this time, Rachmaninov often toured Europe . Performed concerts at the Lucerne festival. He was soon recognized as one of the greatest pianists of his era and a major conductor, although he did not conduct often.

In 1941 he completed his last piece, recognized by many as his greatest creation, is the Symphonic Dances. This work was the most beloved for Rachmaninov himself.

Although Rachmaninov could not stand Soviet power and yearned for the lost old Russia, the news of Germany’s attack on the USSR made a huge impression on him. During the Great Patriotic War, gripped by almost panic for the fate of his homeland, he gave several concerts in the USA, all the money collected from which he sent to the Red Army Fund and advised all Russian emigrants to also contribute. He donated the money collected from one of his concerts to the USSR Defense Fund with the words: “From one of the Russians, all possible assistance to the Russian people in their fight against the enemy. I want to believe, I believe in complete victory.” It is known that a combat aircraft was built for the needs of the army with the composer’s money. According to some reports, Rachmaninov even went to the Soviet embassy and wanted to go home shortly before his death.

Sergei Vasilyevich smoked a lot, almost never letting a cigarette out of his mouth. What overtook him in his declining years in the USA cancer(melanoma) his grandson Alexander Rachmaninov, founder of the S.V. Rachmaninov Foundation, associates with this habit. Rachmaninov himself was unaware of his illness. Rachmaninov gave his last concert just six weeks before his death.

Rachmaninov died on March 28, 1943 in Beverly Hills, California, USA, before three days before his 70th birthday. Buried in Kensico Cemetery. In his will, Sergei Rachmaninov ordered that he be buried in New York next to his wife and daughter. The composer’s great-great-granddaughter, Suzan-Sofia Volkonskaya-Wanamaker, reminded a Radio Liberty correspondent about this.

Creative characteristic

The creative image of Rachmaninoff the composer is often defined by the words “the most Russian composer.” This brief and incomplete description expresses both the objective qualities of Rachmaninov’s style and the place of his heritage in the historical perspective of world music. It was Rachmaninov’s work that acted as the synthesizing denominator that united and fused the creative principles of the Moscow (P. Tchaikovsky) and St. Petersburg schools of composition into a single and integral Russian style. The theme “Russia and its destiny,” which is general for Russian art of all types and genres, found an exceptionally characteristic and complete embodiment in Rachmaninov’s work. In this regard, Rachmaninov was both a successor to the tradition of the operas of Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, and the symphonies of Tchaikovsky, and a connecting link in the continuous chain of national tradition (this theme was continued in the works of S. Prokofiev, D. Shostakovich, G. Sviridov, A. Schnittke and etc.). The special role of Rachmaninov in the development of the national tradition is explained by the historical position of Rachmaninov’s work - a contemporary of the Russian revolution: it was the revolution, reflected in Russian art as a “catastrophe”, “the end of the world”, that has always been the semantic dominant of the theme “Russia and its fate”.

Portrait by K. A. Somov

Rachmaninov's work chronologically belongs to that period of Russian art, which is commonly called " silver age" Main creative method The art of this period was symbolism, the features of which were clearly manifested in the work of Rachmaninov. Rachmaninoff's works are full of complex symbolism, expressed through symbolic motifs, the main one of which is the motif of the medieval chorale Dies Irae. This motif symbolizes Rachmaninov’s premonition of a catastrophe, “the end of the world,” “retribution.”

Very important in Rachmaninov’s work Christian motives: being a deeply religious man, Rachmaninov not only did outstanding contribution in the development of Russian sacred music (Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, 1910, Vigil, 1916), but also embodied Christian ideas and symbolism in his other works.

In technology musical composition Rachmaninov did not react in any way to the “fashionable” innovations of the 20th century. (such as dodecaphony, ultrachromatism, aleatorics, polystylistics, etc.). At the same time, within the framework of a style that is generally defined as “neo-romantic,” Rachmaninov managed to develop a specific, easily recognizable by ear musical language. The extended tonality of Rachmaninov, for example, is characterized by the so-called Rachmaninov subdominant (otherwise known as “Rachmaninoff harmony”) and modalisms (Dorian mode, Gypsy scale, etc.), and in rhythm - multioli in combination with regular groupings of durations (polyrhythm). Its specific piano texture is also recognizable.

Evolution of creative style

Rachmaninov’s work is conventionally divided into three or four periods: early (1889-1897), mature(it is sometimes divided into two periods: 1900-1909 and 1910-1917) and late (1918-1941).

Rachmaninov's style, which grew out of late romanticism, subsequently underwent significant evolution. Like his contemporaries A. Scriabin and I. Stravinsky, Rachmaninov radically updated the style of his music at least twice (c. 1900 and c. 1926). Rachmaninov’s mature and especially late style goes far beyond the boundaries of the post-Romantic tradition (“overcoming” of which began back in early period) and at the same time does not belong to any of the stylistic trends of the musical avant-garde of the 20th century. Rachmaninov’s work, thus, stands apart in the evolution of world music of the 20th century: having absorbed many of the achievements of impressionism and the avant-garde, Rachmaninov’s style remained uniquely individual and original, having no analogues in world art (excluding imitators and epigones). In modern musicology, a parallel with L. van Beethoven is often used: just like Rachmaninov, Beethoven went far beyond the boundaries of the style that raised him (in this case, Viennese classicism), without joining the romantics and remaining alien to the romantic worldview .

First early period- began under the sign of late romanticism, adopted mainly through the style of Tchaikovsky (First Concerto, early plays). However, already in the Trio in D minor (1893), written in the year of Tchaikovsky’s death and dedicated to his memory, Rachmaninov gives an example of a bold creative synthesis of the traditions of romanticism (Tchaikovsky), “kuchkists,” ancient Russian church tradition and modern everyday and gypsy music. This work, one of the first examples of polystylistics in world music, seems to symbolically announce the continuity of tradition from Tchaikovsky to Rachmaninov and the entry of Russian music into new stage development. In the First Symphony, the principles of stylistic synthesis were developed even more boldly, which was one of the reasons for its failure at the premiere.

Maturity period marked by the formation of an individual, mature style, based on the intonation baggage of Znamenny chant, Russian songwriting and the style of late European romanticism. These features are clearly expressed in the famous Second Concerto and Second Symphony, in the piano preludes op. 23. However, starting with the symphonic poem “Island of the Dead,” Rachmaninov’s style becomes more complex, which is caused, on the one hand, by an appeal to the themes of symbolism and modernity, and on the other, by the implementation of the achievements of modern music: impressionism, neoclassicism, new orchestral, textured, harmonic techniques. The central work of this period is the grandiose poem “The Bells” for choir, soloists and orchestra, to the words of Edgar Allan Poe translated by K. Balmont (1913). Brightly innovative, full of unprecedentedly new choral and orchestral techniques, this work had a huge impact on choral and symphonic music XX century. The theme of this work is typical for the art of symbolism, for this stage Russian art and creativity of Rachmaninov: various periods are symbolically embodied in it human life leading to inevitable death; the apocalyptic symbolism of the Bells, carrying the idea of the End of the World, presumably influenced the “musical” pages of T. Mann’s novel “Doctor Faustus”.

Late - foreign period of creativity- marked by exceptional originality. Rachmaninov's style is made up of a seamless fusion of the most diverse, sometimes opposing stylistic elements: the traditions of Russian music - and jazz, ancient Russian Znamenny chant - and the "restaurant" stage of the 1930s, the virtuosic style of the 19th century - and the harsh toccataism of the avant-garde. In the very heterogeneity of stylistic premises lies philosophical meaning- the absurdity, cruelty of life in the modern world, the loss of spiritual values. The works of this period are distinguished by mysterious symbolism, semantic polyphony, and deep philosophical overtones.

Last piece Rachmaninov - Symphonic Dances (1941), which vividly embodies all these features, is compared by many with M. Bulgakov’s novel “The Master and Margarita,” completed at the same time.

Meaning composer's creativity Rachmaninov enormous: Rachmaninov synthesized various trends in Russian art, various thematic and stylistic directions, and united them under one denominator - the Russian national style.

Rachmaninov enriched Russian music with the achievements of art of the 20th century and was one of those who brought national tradition to a new stage. Rachmaninov enriched the intonation fund of Russian and world music with the intonation baggage of the Old Russian Znamenny chant.

Rachmaninov (along with Scriabin) brought out the Russian piano music XX century to the world level, he became one of the first Russian composers, whose piano works are included in the repertoire of all pianists in the world.

The significance of Rachmaninov's performing creativity no less great: Rachmaninov the pianist became the standard for many generations of pianists different countries and schools, he established the world priority of the Russian piano school, distinctive features which are: 1) deep content of performance; 2) attention to the intonation richness of music; 3) “singing on the piano” - imitation of vocal sound and vocal intonation using the piano.

Rachmaninov the pianist left master recordings of many works of world music, on which many generations of musicians study.

Family

On April 29, 1902 in Moscow, in the church of the 6th Tauride Grenadier Regiment (officiated by priest Anatoly Zamaraev), “hereditary nobleman Sergei Vasiliev Rachmaninov” was married to “the daughter of a state councilor, the maiden Natalya Alexandrova Satina,” his cousin.

The Rachmaninov couple had two daughters, Tatyana and Irina. Irina had an only daughter, Sofia, who lived in Costa Rica. Daughter Tatyana married lawyer B. Yu. Konyus, her son Alexander took the name Rachmaninov. Being a lawyer in the field of copyright law by profession, he headed the S. V. Rachmaninov Foundation. Alexander is survived by two daughters - Marina and Emmanuel.

Memory

Coin of the Bank of the Russian Federation

Postage stamp of Moldova, 1997

Monument to Sergei Rachmaninov in Veliky Novgorod

Monument to Rachmaninov in Tambov on the street. Rachmaninov.

Rachmaninoff's grave at Kensico Cemetery near New York

International Sergei Rachmaninov Prize

Since 1982, the Rachmaninov Society has been operating in the USSR and then in Russia, thanks to whose efforts a monument to Rachmaninov was erected in Moscow on Strastnoy Boulevard (1999), monuments in Tambov and Veliky Novgorod, and an International Piano Competition is held.
In 1999, on the site of the former Semyonovo estate (12 km south of the village of Pinaevy Gorki, Zaluchskoye rural settlement, Novgorod region), a memorial sign was erected about the birth of Rachmaninov here.

In 1968, a museum was created, and since 1987 - the Museum-Estate of S.V. Rachmaninov in the village of Ivanovka, Uvarovsky district, Tambov region.
In 2011 in Kazan, on the initiative artistic director and chief conductor of the State symphony orchestra RT Alexander Sladkovsky founded the International Music Festival named after. S. Rachmaninov " White lilac" The festival is held annually in May.
The name of Rachmaninov is borne by the Rostov State Conservatory, the Tambov State Musical and Pedagogical Institute, the Kaliningrad Regional College of Music, Chisinau Russian Musical Lyceum (formerly the Secondary Special Music School named after E. Koki), Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, music school in Moscow ( structural subdivision MGODSHI (Moscow City United Children's Art School) "Izmailovo") and Novgorod Regional College of Arts.
There are streets named after Rachmaninov in Sochi, Kyiv, Almaty, Tambov, Penza, Novgorod the Great, Rostov-on-Don, Morshansk, Krasnodar and in the Bronx district of New York.
On June 14, 2009, a monument to Sergei Rachmaninov by the sculptor Rukavishnikov was unveiled in Veliky Novgorod.
On the facade of house No. 5 on Strastnoy Boulevard in Moscow, where S. Rachmaninov lived and worked, there is a memorial plaque by the sculptor N. I. Niss-Goldman.
In Moscow, in a mansion on Bolshaya Ordynka, 6/12, it is planned to open a museum of the composer; The Moscow government leased this building to the Rachmaninoff Society until 2018.
In 2013 in Moscow, on the initiative of the Russian pianist, laureate international competitions, APS Academy professor Violetta Egorova established the International Sergei Rachmaninov Prize. The official award ceremony for the Prize is held annually at the Moscow Conservatory.
On March 18, 2010, the Rachmaninov crater on Mercury was named in honor of Rachmaninov.
On October 5, 2017, the grand opening of the monument to Sergei Rachmaninov took place at the Ivanovka museum-estate (Tambov region).

Estate "Senar"

After the death of Alexander Rachmaninoff (1933-2012), the composer’s grandson and only heir, in early November 2012, relatives planned to put up the Senard estate in Switzerland for auction with subsequent sale of parts of property and unique items cultural heritage S. V. Rachmaninov. In these circumstances, Russian pianist Denis Matsuev raised with Russian President Vladimir Putin the issue of buying out the estate in favor of Russia for the construction of a memorial to the composer, holding musical master classes, festivals and competitions there. Issue price, according to expert assessments, is approximately 630-650 million rubles. President Putin agreed to make efforts to implement this idea.