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Russian composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor renowned for his lush Romantic compositions and technical mastery. Born in Novgorod Governorate, Russia; graduated Moscow Conservatory in 1892 with Gold Medal. Premiered major works including Piano Concerto No. 2 (1901) and Symphony No. 2 (1908). Emigrated after 1917 Revolution; settled permanently in US in 1918. Died in Beverly Hills, California.

• His Symphony No. 1 (1897) premiered disastrously under Glazunov (allegedly drunk), plunging Rachmaninoff into a 3-year depression requiring hypnotherapy.
• He escaped revolutionary Russia disguised as a peasant, carrying only sketchbooks and manuscripts, losing most estates and possessions.
• Despite international fame, he constantly performed to fund his exiled lifestyle, lamenting lost composing time: 'I am a wandering ghost...'
• Diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 1942, he gave his final recital just weeks before death, collapsing mid-concert from excruciating pain.