140th Anniversary Of Composer Sergei Rachmaninoff

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.

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.