Sergei Rachmaninoff the Conductor
Russian Piano Virtuoso and Composer was also a Conductor of Note
Jun 1, 2008
Sergei Rachmaninoff, born at Semyonovo near Novgorod, Russia in 1873, became one of the world's greatest pianists and composers, with compositions played in every concert hall in the world and his place in the pantheon of musical virtuosos assured. However, Rachmaninoff was also a conductor of note and in 1897 he was invited by Savva Mamontov, the founder of the Moscow Private Russian Opera Company to become deputy conductor. This caused a problem for the young Sergei because the director, an Italian conductor named Esposito, became fearful that his position would be usurped by the talented newcomer.
Conducting in Moscow
On October 12 Rachmaninoff conducted Saint-Saens' opera "Samson et Dalila" and later directed a performance of Dargomijsky's "Rusalka." Working with the great Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin led to a close friendship with Feodor until the singer's death. Other operas Rachmaninoff conducted during that year were Rimsky-Korsakov's "May Night" "Carmen," by George Bizet and Gluck's "Orpheus." Rachmaninoff was re-engaged for the next season which included "Boris Godunov," by Mussorgsky. All this conducting left Sergei little time for composing and he left the post at the end of the second season.
Rachmaninoff's Depression
It was at this time that friends and family began to notice Sergei's seeming lack of interest and energy and they became alarmed. Some have speculated that this condition was brought on by the failure of his First Symphony in its first performance and others think that it was the end of his romantic attachment with Anna Lodischensky, a married woman. Whatever the cause they knew that he needed medical help and Sergei agreed to see Dr. Nikolai Dahl, a neurologist and amateur musician. After months of sessions with Dr.Dahl, who employed hypnosis in his treatments, Rachmaninoff was able once again to turn to composing. He dedicated his Second Piano Concerto to Dr.Dahl.
Rachmaninoff's Marriage
In 1892 Sergei surprised his family by declaring that he was in love with his cousin Natalia Satin, a talented pianist and graduate of the Moscow Conservatory. The Orthodox Church forbade marriage between cousins, but they were able to surmount this problem, however, and on April 29, 1902, they were married in a garrison chapel outside Moscow.
Rachmaninoff's Opera Conducting
After his marriage and return from an extended honeymoon, Rachmaninoff was asked to conduct several operas at the Bolshoi Opera in Moscow. They were "Eugene Onegin," by Tchaikowsky; "A Life for the Tsar," by Glinka and "Prince Igor," by Borodin. During this period he also conducted several orchestral concerts. His performance of Tchaikowsky's Fifth Symphony was, according to composer Nicolai Medtner, an unforgettable experience. Rachmaninoff conducted throughout his lifetime and managed a triple-crown career as a piano virtuoso, dedicated composer and conductor.
For further reading about Rachmaninoff see Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Source
Rachmaninoff, by Robert Walker, Omnibus Press New York 1980.
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