Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Russian pianist, conductor, and composer in the late-Romantic tradition. Lyricism, expressive breadth, structural ingenuity and a tonal palette of rich, distinctive orchestral colors. His melodies and rhythms recall Orthodox chant and folk ballad. He left Russia for the U.S. during the Revolution and the loss of his estate, way of life, and livelihood. He composed little after 1917.
“Music is enough for a lifetime, a lifetime is not enough for music"
"Only one place is closed to me, and that is my own country - Russia."
Best known works: Piano concertos 2 and 3, The Bells (cantata), 2d Symphony, Rhapsody on theme of Paganini, 80 songs.