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Rachmaninoff's Recollections
This book, first published in 1934, contains the recollections of the varied and coloured life of a great pianist and composer, who is one of the most striking figures of the musical world. Rachmaninoff dictated his memoires to the author of this book, and much of the story is therefore told in the first person. The final chapter is Riesemann’s own contribution. It is an estimate of Rachmaninoff’s qualities as composer; it shows knowledge of all his more important works; and it shows discrimination. The whole book is an authoritative and interesting study of a popular artist.
298 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2015
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November 16, 2021
Engaging biography of my favorite composer, by a colleague who knew him personally and had conducted extensive personal interviews with him. Some highlights:
"My dear Mr. Riesemann: I have read with interest the manuscript of your book and wish to thank you for the sympathetic understanding with which you have treated our intimate talks at Clairefontaine. If you have overemphasized the importance of some of my modest achievements I am sure it is only because of our long and close friendship. Believe me, Sincerely, S. Rachmaninoff." - p. 10, reproduced letter to the author
Doesn't Rachmaninoff just sound like someone you would want to know? He's at the top of my list of people to visit when time travel is invented.
"From the biography of a living person consideration for the feelings of others demands, as a matter of principle, that certain matter should be omitted. Of the proper exercise of this principle the subject is in general the best judge. The missing chapters in the story are most fitly to be considered only in historic retrospect and should be added by later writers." - p. 6
What a refreshing perspective in our modern era of Internet fame and media gossip.
"Beethoven's Fourth Concerto was followed by a Fifth...What will Rachmaninoff's Fifth Concerto look like? Am I mistaken when in his Fourth I seem to hear Chopin's growing influence and a homage to Grieg, the Northern master? How I would like to have a glimpse into the future!" - p. 235
At the time of publication, Rachmaninoff's compositions numbered through opus 42. His next composition, opus 43, was Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Dear Mr. Riesemann had no idea.
"My dear Mr. Riesemann: I have read with interest the manuscript of your book and wish to thank you for the sympathetic understanding with which you have treated our intimate talks at Clairefontaine. If you have overemphasized the importance of some of my modest achievements I am sure it is only because of our long and close friendship. Believe me, Sincerely, S. Rachmaninoff." - p. 10, reproduced letter to the author
Doesn't Rachmaninoff just sound like someone you would want to know? He's at the top of my list of people to visit when time travel is invented.
"From the biography of a living person consideration for the feelings of others demands, as a matter of principle, that certain matter should be omitted. Of the proper exercise of this principle the subject is in general the best judge. The missing chapters in the story are most fitly to be considered only in historic retrospect and should be added by later writers." - p. 6
What a refreshing perspective in our modern era of Internet fame and media gossip.
"Beethoven's Fourth Concerto was followed by a Fifth...What will Rachmaninoff's Fifth Concerto look like? Am I mistaken when in his Fourth I seem to hear Chopin's growing influence and a homage to Grieg, the Northern master? How I would like to have a glimpse into the future!" - p. 235
At the time of publication, Rachmaninoff's compositions numbered through opus 42. His next composition, opus 43, was Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Dear Mr. Riesemann had no idea.
Displaying 1 of 1 review