Description
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.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. Happy Childhood in the Country 2. The St. Petersburg Conservatoire 3. Moscow. Sverev and Arensky 4. A Dramatic Incident. The Moscow Conservatoire 5. The "Free Artist" In Moscow. Performance of the First Symphony and its Consequences 6. Serious Mental Shock and Mental Recovery 7. Growing Popularity as Composer and Conductor 8. An Idyll in Dresden 9. The Summit of Life 10. War and Revolution 11. America 12. Rachmaninoff as Composer; Note on the Family of Rachmaninoff; List of Works; Index
