Sergei Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) was the last great Russian Romantic — a towering pianist and composer whose music overflows with melody and longing. His Piano Concerto No. 2, the Prelude in C-sharp minor and the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini are cornerstones of the repertoire, demanding enormous virtuosity and offering enormous emotional reward. After leaving Russia in 1917 he toured the world as a legendary pianist. Performed live, the grandeur and ache of his music are overwhelming.