April 1, 2013, marks the 140th anniversary of the birth of Russian composer Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff. Widely considered one of the finest pianists of his day, Rachmaninoff was also one of the last great Romantic composers in Russian classical music. In spite of his accomplishments, Rachmaninoff was a target of harsh criticism from his musical peers and would eventually be labeled a "violent enemy of Soviet Russia." (13 PHOTOS)
140th Anniversary Of Composer Sergei Rachmaninoff
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Rachmnaninoff in 1901. The premiere of his first symphony in 1897 was poorly received, causing the young composer to sink into depression for several years.
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An undated portrait. After his emigration, Soviet officials labeled Rachmaninoff a "reactionary" and "an enemy of the Soviet government." His work as a composer dropped off sharply after leaving Russia, although he toured widely as a pianist.