Rachmaninov: Variations On A Theme Of Correlli / Moments Musicaux, Op. 16

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Cat No: 8550349

Release Date: 12 January 2000

Label: Naxos - Nxc / Naxos Classics

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 730099534925

Genres: Classical

Composer/Series: RACHMANINOV

Description
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873 - 1943)Piano Sonata No. 21n B Flat Minor, Op. 36Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42 Moments Musicaux, Op. 16Sergey Vasilyevich Rachmaninov was bornat Semyonovo in 1873. His family, one of strong military traditions on both hisfather's and mother's side, was well-to-do, but the extravagance of his fathermade it necessary to sell off much of their land. Rachmaninov's childhood wasspent largely at the one remaining family estate at Oneg, near Novgorod. Thereduction in family circumstances had at least one happier result. When itbecame necessary to sell the estate at Oneg and to move to St. Petersburg, theexpense of education for the Imperial service proved too great. Rachmaninovcould make use, instead, of his musical gifts, entering St. PetersburgConservatory at the age of nine as a scholarship student.Not a particularly industrious studentand lacking the attention that he needed at home, in 1885 Rachmaninov failedhis general subject examinations at the Conservatory and there were threatsthat his scholarship would be withdrawn. His mother, now separated from hisfather and responsible for the boy's welfare, arranged that he should move toMoscow to study with Zverev, a teacher of known strictness. In Zverev's house,however uncongenial the strict routine, he acquired much of his phenomenaltechnique as a pianist, while broadening his musical understanding by attendingconcerts in the city .At the age of fifteen he became a pupil of Zverev'sformer pupil Ziloti at the Conservatory, studying counterpoint and harmony withSergey Taneyev and Arensky. His growing interest in composition led to aquarrel with Zverev and removal to the house of his relations, the Satins.In 1891 Rachmaninov completed his pianostudies at the Conservatory and the composition of his first piano concerto.The following year he graduated from the composition class and composed hisnotorious Prelude in C sharp minor, a piece that was to haunt him by itsexcessive popularity. His early career brought initial success as a composer,halted by the failure of his first symphony, conducted badly by Glazunov,apparently drunk at the time, and reviewed in the cruellest terms by Cesar Cuiwho described it as a student attempt to depict in music the seven plagues ofEgypt. Rachmaninov busied himself as a conductor, signing a contract with theMamontov opera company. As a composer, however, he suffered from the poorreception of his symphony and was only enabled to continue after a course oftreatment with Dr. Nikolay Dahl, a believer in the efficacy of hypnotism. Theimmediate result was the second of his four piano concertos.The years before the Russian revolutionbrought continued successful activity as a composer and as a conductor. In 1902Rachmaninov married Natalya Satina and went on to pursue a career, that broughthim increasing international fame. There were journeys abroad and a busyprofessional life, from which summer holidays at the estate of Ivanovka, whichhe finally a
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