ABSTRACT

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.

chapter 1|12 pages

Happy Childhood in the Country 1873–1882

chapter 3|31 pages

Moscow. Sverev and Arensky 1885–1889

chapter 8|22 pages

An Idyll in Dresden 1906–1909

chapter 9|17 pages

The Summit of Life 1909–1914

chapter 10|17 pages

War and Revolution 1914–1919

chapter 11|16 pages

America 1919

chapter 12|43 pages

Rachmaninoff as Composer