Sergei Rachmaninoff: A Lifetime In Music

by Sergei Bertensson

Sergei Rachmaninoff A Lifetime in MusicSergei Bertensson and Jay Leyda, with the assistance of Sophia SatinaWith a new introduction by David ButlerCannataAn indispensable and captivating document, now back inprint! Throughout his career as composer, conductor, and pianist, Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873--1943) was an intensely private individual. WhenBertensson and Leyda's 1956 biography appeared, it lifted the veil of secrecy fromseveral areas of Rachmaninoff's life, especially concerning the genesis of hiscompositions and how their critical reception affected him. Theauthors consulted a number of people who knew Rachmaninoff, who worked with him, andwho corresponded with him. Even with the availabilty of such sources and full accessto the Rachmaninoff Archive at the Library of Congress, Bertensson, Leyda, and weretireless in their pursuit of privately held documents, particularly correspondence.The wonderfully engaging product of their labors masterfully incorporates primarymaterials into the narrative. Almost half a century after it first appeared, thisvolume remains essential reading. Sergei Bertensson, who knewRachmaninoff, published other works on music and film, often with a documentaryemphasis. Jay Leyda wrote extensively on Russian music and film, as well as on American literature. David Butler Cannata isProfessor of Music at Boyer College of Music, TempleUniversity. Sophia Satina was Rachmaninoff's sister-in-law andcousin. Russian Music Studies -- Malcolm Hamrick Brown, foundingeditor

Genres: Music, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Russia, Art

484 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1956

Reviews

[Genni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachmaninov is heavily involved in my earliest memory of aesthetic experience. The experience was so strong that, for any faults I may have discovered later in the composer, I will never be able to view him negatively. I have read much about him since that time and listened to almost all of his music (many, many times), but surprisingly, I have never owned a biography of him! So this was the perfect Christmas gift to myself.

Bertensson and Leyda's work is solid. It consists mainly of translations of various letters from Rachmaninov to close friends, conductors, etc. interspersed with explanatory bridges. Even as these letters talk about music, they reveal very little about his sources of inspiration or theories (though he was more outspoken in his last years). They also reveal little of his philosophy of life or anything else that might give us a clue what the driving forces of his life were. He often mentions feeling “lazy” or “melancholy”, but I get the feeling that this is simply an attempt to glide over or divert away from delving himself out to others. But I may be way off here.

The only thing really missing from the biography was word of his daughter,Tatiana. Rachmaninov was incredibly anxious about her during the war and in the biography I read of his distress without ever knowing if she survived (though I know from outside sources that she did). Anyway, I think this would have been something very near to his heart and should have been included as it deeply concerned and affected him.

This particular edition also contains, by way of introduction, a very interesting history of the authors and why they were the perfect candidates for this work.

If, as Schonberg says, understanding the music of a composer means attempting to understand the composer's mind then these letters are just about all we have to go on and as such, are required reading for any one desiring to understand the music of Rachmaninov more.

[Becky Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, i was looking for this book awhile back. I read it for leisure and for papers as well. I love this composer and know this book inside out. This is an absolute must if you know who Rachmaninoff is. I'm going to the Hollywood Bowl tonight to listen to his Piano Concerto No.2 in C Minor performed by a Korean pianist. This book provided detailed events and accomplishments throughout the life of Sergei Rachmaninoff who I have followed closely throughout my years of studying music but not teaching because I can’t find a student that has reached the level of playing a Rachmaninoff piece just yet. But all of his Piano Concerti work have been extremely relaxing to listen to, especially the Rach 2 & Rach 3. Aaah, invest in this book if you’re a Rachmaninoff fan.

[Matej Kucek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there was more about my favorite compositions. Anyway it's good document about life of the greatest Composer.

[Kelly Sedinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and in-depth biography of the great Russian composer. Heavily quotes Rachmaninoff's correspondence over the course of his lift. This book is more a "life" than a "life and works"; discussion of specific works is limited to observations by the composer himself and by others cited in letters, diaries, and article excerpts.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a good while to get through this book. It was so detailed! I can’t believe how many letters and correspondence was gathered about his life. I feel like I know Rachmaninov as a friend now. What an incredible devotion to music he had. Literally to his dying day, it’s what kept him alive. From a letter he wrote to an admirer who was sending him poems to set to music: “And another thing; the mood should be rather more sad than gay. I’m not so lucky with bright tones! I await your answer...P.S. I write you nothing about myself: I don’t know how and I don’t like to. It was the truth (and by no means a lie) when someone told you that I am a most ordinary and uninteresting sort of person.” I love that he knew himself so well and got a good laugh about his comment concerning “bright tones”. Anyone who has played much Rach knows that bright tones don’t exist much in his music!

[James Ruley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sergei Rachmaninoff was a transitional Russian composer. Briefly a student of Tchaikovsky, he largely followed classical Russian styles in his compositions. However, following the start of the Russian Civil War, he left the country and lived abroad during the remaining two-and-a-half decades of his life. This book provides an overview of his life, a difficult task as he was an intensely private man who valued his solitude. While this book does a good job presenting his own thoughts as found in his letters and public interviews, it is in places disorganized and lacks structural analysis. Regardless, it was a good presentation of Rachmaninoff's life.

3/5

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important, classic auto/biography.

Fascinating biography composed of letters by Rachmaninoff, family, friends and close associates, and it's cleverly woven together by the authors with explanatory material interwoven with the letters.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story, clearly told, well researched.

[John Zobolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great insight to the life and opinions of a great musician. Worth reading for every human, musician or not.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with deep feeling

[Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight on the life of one of my favorite composers!

[Kent L. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachmaninov-A life encapsulated.

Rachmaninov’s life is beautifully portrayed in this biography showing all aspects of his life, music and travel to show his genus and abilities in the musical arts. His gifts are well portrayed in these stories.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so powerful because it contains carefully translated original letters to and from the great Rachmaninov and his closest family, musicians, and critics. It gives tremendous insights into his work ethic, his struggles and doubts, his great works, and his adult adjustment to exile after the Bolshevik revolution.

[Anna Katrīna Deņisova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admiration and fan-girling about Rachmaninoff has now grown to a deep, deep love and understanding. oh Seryozhenka