Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) was a Russian pianist and influential composer, best known for his piano concertos and symphonies. He was born in Semyonovo, Russia, on April 1, 1873. He grew up in a musical household; his mother, a trained pianist, taught him well enough for him to begin taking paid lessons with a professional teacher. The family was well off until Rachmaninoff’s father fell into debt, forcing them to sell their home and move to Saint Petersburg in 1882.

This move opened new doors for Rachmaninoff, and he entered a conservatory to further his musical studies. Three years later, his parents decided to divorce, and Rachmaninoff chose to move again—this time to Moscow. In 1885, he entered the Moscow Conservatory, where he studied composition and piano. His main teachers were Anton Arensky (1861–1906), Alexander Siloti (1863–1945), and Nikolai Zverev (1833–1893). All three teachers helped Rachmaninoff excel and demonstrate his abilities as a pianist.

He was extremely gifted at sight-reading and was said to have a remarkable memory that allowed him to recall pieces years after originally learning them. In addition to these natural talents, Rachmaninoff had unusually large hands, which enabled him to play wide intervals with ease.

Let’s wish Sergei Rachmaninoff a wonderful birthday month!

Sources used:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sergey-Rachmaninoff

https://www.worldhistory.org/Sergei_Rachmaninoff/