RACHMANINOV, S. - Piano Concertos 1 - 4 (Sealed) (3LP)

180gm 3LP vinyl. SERGEI RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4 Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Sergei Rachmaninov - piano Philadelphia Orchestra - Eugene Ormandy, Leopold Stokowski - conductors Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninov (1873 -1943) was a Russian pianist, composer, and conductor of the late Romantic period, some of whose works are among the most popular in the romantic repertoire. Born into a musical family, Rachmaninov took up the piano at age four. He graduated from the Moscow Conservatory in 1892 and had composed several piano and orchestral pieces by this time. In 1897, following the critical reaction to his Symphony No. 1, Rachmaninov entered a four-year depression and composed little until successful therapy allowed him to complete his enthusiastically received Piano Concerto No. 2 in 1901. After the Russian Revolution, Rachmaninov and his family left Russia and resided in the United States, first in New York City. Demanding piano concert tour schedules caused his output as composer to slow tremendously; between 1918 and 1943, he completed just six compositions, including Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Symphony No. 3, and Symphonic Dances. In 1942, Rachmaninov moved to Beverly Hills, California. One month before his death from advanced melanoma, Rachmaninov acquired American citizenship. Tracklist: Side A: Piano Concerto No. 1 in F sharp minor, Op. 1 (1891 rev. 1917) 1. I Vivace 11.55 2. II Andante 5.16 3. III Allegro vivace 7.13 Sergei Rachmaninov - piano Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy Philadelphia, 4 December 1939 & 24 February 1940 Side B: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (1900/1) 1. I Moderato 9.39 2. II Adagio sostenuto 10.31 3. III Allegro scherzando 10.48 Sergei Rachmaninov - piano Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski Philadelphia, 10 & 13 April 1929