Enthusiastic about Rachmaninoff’s music
Sergei Rachmaninoff: A Musical Genius and Russian Exile
Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff, a composer, conductor, and virtuoso pianist, was born in Russia in 1873 and passed away in the United States in 1943. He was one of the many talented individuals that Europe’s great tyrants, Vladimir Lenin and Adolf Hitler, bestowed upon America. Rachmaninoff, an aristocrat and artist with deep spiritual depth, embodied the kind of man that the Russian revolution sought to extinguish. Sensing the revolution’s threat, he fled his homeland at the earliest opportunity.
Although Rachmaninoff left Russia, his Russian identity remained an integral part of him. He once wrote, “I am a Russian composer, and the land of my birth has influenced my temperament and outlook. My music is the product of my temperament, and so it is Russian music.” These words serve as the epigraph for Fiona Maddocks’s captivating study of Rachmaninoff.
A Fascinating Journey Through Rachmaninoff’s Life
Maddocks’s book, Goodbye Russia, takes readers on a captivating journey through Rachmaninoff’s life. Rather than a traditional study, it has the loose and leisurely feel of an essay, spanning over 300 pages. Maddocks follows a rough chronological narrative, exploring various aspects of Rachmaninoff’s life from his arrival in New York on the eve of World War I to his death in Los Angeles during World War II. She takes her own discursive route, quoting letters and comments from his family and colleagues. Maddocks’s curiosity and fascination, driven by her love for his music, shine through in every page.
What makes Maddocks’s work even more impressive is that she conveys Rachmaninoff’s story without relying on musical notation. This approach is a relief for those of us who are musically illiterate, allowing us to appreciate and understand the man behind the music.
The Enigmatic Rachmaninoff
Igor Stravinsky once referred to Sergei Rachmaninoff as a “six-and-a-half foot scowl.” Standing at six-foot-three, Rachmaninoff had a severe public countenance, rarely smiling during his 1,457 piano concert performances. However, behind this enigmatic facade, Rachmaninoff possessed a remarkable talent. Cuban pianist Jorge Bolet described his hands as ”no bone, just meat,” yet incredibly expressive. Rachmaninoff’s fingers curved, hovered, swept, and danced across the keys, bringing each note to life. In her final chapter, Maddocks includes a photograph of his long-fingered, elegant hands.
Rachmaninoff’s Struggles and Triumphs
While living in Russia, Rachmaninoff battled depression and doubt about his musical career. He sought advice from his cultural idol, Leo Tolstoy, but was disappointed by the author’s lack of guidance. Tolstoy’s dismissive response to Rachmaninoff’s song “Fate” further deepened his depression. However, Rachmaninoff found solace in the treatment of Dr. Nikolai Dahl, who used hypnosis and conversations to revive his spirits.
Despite his formidable public persona, Rachmaninoff displayed cordiality and compassion among his family and friends. Compassion, as Maddocks notes, shaped his character and remained a constant in his life. He earned substantial sums from his piano concerts and generously loaned money to those in need.
A Clash of Giants
Rachmaninoff’s relationship with other composers was complex. Fiona Maddocks describes him and Igor Stravinsky as “giants of the twentieth century and polar opposites.” Prokofiev, a contemporary, openly expressed animosity towards Rachmaninoff. Aaron Copland found his music depressing, and many self-declared modernists criticized him for sticking to a traditional musical style. However, Rachmaninoff believed that the greatest music came from the heart and valued melody and lyricism above all.
A Russian Soul in America
Despite spending more than half his life in America, Rachmaninoff maintained a strong connection to his Russian roots. He hired exclusively Russian servants, ate Russian food, surrounded himself with Russian company, and sought medical care from Russian physicians. He even hired a Russian ”piano mechanic” to tend to his beloved Steinway pianos during his concert tours. However, Rachmaninoff also admired aspects of American culture, including the music of George Gershwin, the arrangements of Paul Whiteman, and the innovative piano playing of Art Tatum.
Rachmaninoff’s Love for Cars and Musical Legacy
In America, Rachmaninoff developed a passion for cars. He meticulously tuned his Lincoln and Packard automobiles, displaying the same precision and rhythmical rightness he exhibited in his piano playing. Despite facing criticism for his compositions, Rachmaninoff’s music possessed a richness and splendor that set him apart. Pieces such as his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Prelude in C sharp minor, The Bells, and his two piano concertos showcased his undeniable greatness. Listening to any of these works is a testament to Rachmaninoff’s decision to stay true to traditional classical music.
Fiona Maddocks’s Goodbye, Russia: Rachmaninoff in Exile offers a captivating exploration of the life and music of Sergei Rachmaninoff. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the man behind the genius.
Joseph Epstein is the author, most recently, of The Novel, Who Needs It? (Encounter Books).
How did Rachmaninoff’s embrace of the romantic tradition in his compositions contrast with Prokofiev’s modernism?
Iev was both a friend and a rival, with a similar virtuosity and passion for Russian music. However, their styles and compositions diverged greatly, with Prokofiev embracing modernism while Rachmaninoff remained rooted in the romantic tradition. This clash of musical giants added another layer of complexity to Rachmaninoff’s career and legacy.
Legacy and Influence
Rachmaninoff’s compositions and performances continue to captivate audiences today. His piano concertos, symphonies, and choral works are renowned for their emotional depth and technical brilliance. His music reflects the turmoil and intensity of his own life experiences, creating an emotional impact that resonates with listeners of all generations.
Rachmaninoff’s influence extends far beyond the realm of classical music. His compositions have been transcribed and adapted into various genres, including pop, jazz, and film scores. His melodies have been sampled by contemporary artists, bringing his music to new audiences around the world.
In Conclusion
Sergei Rachmaninoff was not only a musical genius but also a symbol of resilience and artistic integrity. His decision to leave Russia and seek refuge in America showcased his determination to continue creating despite the upheavals of his time. His compositions and performances continue to inspire and move audiences, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Fiona Maddocks’s book, Goodbye Russia, provides an insightful and engaging exploration of Rachmaninoff’s life and music. Through her vivid storytelling, she captures the essence of this enigmatic and deeply talented artist. Whether one is a devoted fan of Rachmaninoff or simply curious about his life, this book offers a valuable window into the world of this Russian musical genius.
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