Sergei Rachmaninoff was a prominent pianist, composer, and conductor born in Russia in 1873 on the family estate in the village of Semyonovo. Rachmaninoff’s family had a wealthy aristocratic and military ancestry with great musical leanings, and Rachmaninoff had access to the best musical education, starting at the young age of four. He is often considered to be one of the most virtuoso pianists of his era, as well as the last Russian romantic composer. 

His father wanted him to join the military and have a career in this domain, but due to financial difficulties, could not afford expensive military studies for his son. In 1883, Rachmaninoff studied at the St-Petersburg Conservatory. He was only 10. After the death of his sister, the family relocated to Moscow and Rachmaninoff entered the Moscow Conservatory. When he graduated in 1892, he already had composed several pieces. Furthermore, he secured a 500-ruble publishing contract with Gutheil, under which Aleko, Two Pieces (Op. 2) and Six Songs (Op. 4) were among the first to be published. He, however, was not immune to critics and when the premiere of his Symphony No. 1 did not meet with the expected success. Rachmaninoff became very depressed and remained in this state for four years. After completing supportive therapy, he was able to complete his Piano Concerto No. 2 in 1901, which received great acclaim, allowing him to combat his depressive state, and start composing again.  

In 1904, Rachmaninoff wanted to change careers and agreed to become the conductor at the Bolshoi Theatre for two seasons. This venture was moderately successful, as he was lacking the rigor and discipline needed for this position. He subsequently lost interest in his new career and resigned. The events of the Russian Revolution prompted his family to leave Russia and settle in New York City in 1918. Rachmaninoff was making a living as a pianist and conductor, and did not have much time to compose, writing only six works between 1918 and 1943, among them the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Symphony No. 3, and Symphonic Dances.  

Rachmaninoff’s health began to deteriorate and in 1942, he moved to California and started to refuse opportunities to perform. He died of advance melanoma a year later, at the age of 70.