RACHMANINOFF,: Variations on a Theme of Chopin Op.22, 3 Nocturnes, Morceaux de Fantasia Op.3, Fragments.Sebastian Stanley.

Featuring

Sebastian Stanley
Sergei Rachmaninoff

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Critical Reception

Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C sharp minor, part of his Op.3 pieces, brought him widespread fame, but its popularity later made him hate performing it.

Composer Biography

The scandalous failure of Rachmaninoff's First Symphony in 1897 caused him psychological trauma, requiring psychiatric help and a three-year recovery period.

Composition History

Rachmaninoff jokingly told his biographer Viktor Serof that the inspiration for his famous Prelude in C sharp minor was '40 rubles,' as it was one of five pieces his editor offered 200 rubles for.

Composition History

The 3 Nocturnes, composed when Rachmaninoff was just 14, were his first serious attempt at composing for the piano, though the ending of Nocturne No.3 is lost.

Composition History

Rachmaninoff dedicated his Morceaux de Fantaisie Op.3 to his professors Sergei Taneiev and Anton Arensky, who taught him at the Moscow Conservatory.

Performer Biography

Sebastian Stanley, the British pianist on this album, did not start playing piano until age 13 but made astonishing progress, gaining a place at the Royal College of Music within two years.

Composer Biography

Sergei Rachmaninoff's family lost their wealth due to his father's irresponsibility, leading them to move to Saint Petersburg and preventing Sergei from attending Imperial Military School.