Rachmaninoffs Recollections Told to Oskar Von Rieseman

by Sergei Rachmaninoff

English, German (translation)

Genres: Music

272 pages, Hardcover

About the author

Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff: ( 1 April 1873- 28 March 1943) He was a composer, pianist, and conductor. (“Sergei Rachmaninoff” was the spelling the composer himself used- and Rachmaninoff is the last name his parents also used before the Soviet’s russification efforts- including when he became a United States citizen. However, alternative transliterations of his name include Sergey or Serge, and Rachmaninov, Rakhmaninoff. ) Rachmaninoff was born in 1873 in Semyonovo, near Novgorod, in north-western Russia. He was born into a noble family of Tatar descent, who had been in the service of the Russian tsars since the 16th century. His parents were both amateur pianists.

Rachmaninov is regarded as one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century. He had legendary technical facilities and rhythmic drive, and his large hands were able to cover the interval of a thirteenth on the keyboard (a hand span of approximately twelve inches). His large handspan roughly corresponded with his height; Rachmaninov was 6 feet 6 inches (1.98m) tall according to sources. He also had the ability to play complex compositions upon first hearing. Many recordings were made by the Victor Talking Machine Company recording label of Rachmaninov’s performing his own music, as well as works from the standard repertory.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this book. Greatly enjoyed the perspective - Rachmaninoff recounting his life to Von Rieseman who very occasionally adds a touch of commentary on the circumstances surrounding the storytelling - the mood of the meeting and the ease or difficulty
Sergei has with some memories. The history feels alive as Rachmaninoff generously spills thoughts and feelings from his musical beginnings through dark psychological periods to the end of his career in America. It was satisfying and humbling to have a peak inside this brilliant mind.

[Nicolas Stagliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a great book -- however, it is obviously intended for classical music buffs with a lot of music theory under their belt. I worship Rachmaninoff and hearing him directly share his personal experiences was very enjoyable for me, even though I didn't understand all of it.

One passage in particular caught my attention:

"...they occupied the room in which the piano stood. Their discussion seemed to have no end--they stayed the whole afternoon, and the evening passed without my being able to go near the piano. I flung myself on my bed and wept with fury and disappointment because I was not able to start working at once. My father, who found me there, was very surprised to see a big youth of my age in this condition; but when he learnt the reason he shook his head and promised never again to place me in such an agonizing situation, and he faithfully kept his word. Evidently he fully understood the seething impatience to create which possessed me."

He was 19 at the time. If a parent saw this kind of deep passion in their kid today, they'd sent the kid to a psychiatrist and medicate it out of him. Thank God that his father didn't have that inclination, or else we would have missed out on the greatest music in the world.

I would love to re-read this again in maybe 10 years, once I have more piano experience and theory under my belt. Also, the honey story was absent -- perhaps it is a baseless rumor.

I do recommend it but if you don't know much music stuff, expect to not fully understand over half of what's in the book.