Sergei Rachmaninoff
Learn about their life story, their famous pieces, and download free scores below!
Age 4 (1877) – Born into a Wealthy Family
Born into a wealthy Russian family, Rachmaninoff experienced financial hardship after his father squandered much of the family fortune. His parents eventually separated, and he stayed with his mother.
Age 9 (1882) – Begins Formal Music Studies
Enters the St. Petersburg Conservatory to study music. Soon afterward, his sister Sofia dies of diphtheria.
Age 12 (1885) – Studies Under Nikolai Zverev
Moves to Moscow to live and study with the strict piano teacher Nikolai Zverev, whose household follows a demanding, military-like routine.
Age 19 (1892) – Graduates with the Great Gold Medal
Graduates from the Moscow Conservatory with the prestigious Great Gold Medal and gains recognition for his Prelude in C-sharp Minor.
Age 24 (1897) – Faces a Career Setback
The disastrous premiere of his First Symphony leads to depression and self-doubt, leaving him struggling to compose.
Age 27 (1900) – Creates Piano Concerto No. 2
Receives treatment from physician Nikolai Dahl, which helps him regain his confidence and begin composing Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor.
Age 29 (1902) – Marries Natalia Satina
Marries his cousin Natalia Satina despite objections from the Russian Orthodox Church.
Age 31 (1787) – Composed Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Composed Eine kleine Nachtmusik and premiered Don Giovanni.
Age 33 (1906) – Moves to Dresden
Relocates to Dresden, Germany, to escape political unrest in Russia and focus on composition. There, he works on his Symphony No. 2.
Age 36 (1909) – Tours the United States
Embarks on his first American tour and performs his Piano Concerto No. 3 in New York, with Gustav Mahler conducting.
Age 44 (1917) – Leaves Russia
Flees Russia with his wife and daughters following the Russian Revolution, leaving behind his homeland and the life he once knew.
Age 61 (1934) – Becomes a Celebrated Pianist
Living in exile, he performs extensively and becomes one of the world’s most sought-after and highest-paid pianists.
Age 69 (1943) – Dies in Beverly Hills
Cancels his final concert tours as his health declines and dies in Beverly Hills, California, shortly after becoming a U.S. citizen.
Famous Rachmaninoff Piano Pieces
01. Prelude in G Minor
Op. 23, No. 5
02. Prelude in G-sharp Minor
Op. 32, No. 12
03. Morceaux de Salon: Valse
Op. 10, No. 2
04. Prelude in C-sharp Minor
Op. 3, No. 2
05. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor
Op. 18
06. Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor
Op. 30
07. Moment musical in E Minor
Op. 16, No. 4
08. Étude-Tableau in E-flat Minor
Op. 39, No. 5
09. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Op. 43
10. Prelude in D Major
Op. 23, No. 4
Download Free Rachmaninoff Scores
Explore and download free piano scores of Rachmaninoff’s most famous works.
1. Prelude in G Minor
Op. 23, No. 5
2. Prelude in G-sharp Minor
Op. 32, No. 12
3. Morceaux de Salon: Valse
Op. 10, No. 2
4. Prelude in C-sharp Minor
Op. 3, No. 2
5. Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor
Op. 18
6. Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor
Op. 30
7. Moment musical in E Minor
Op. 16, No. 4
8. Étude-Tableau in E-flat Minor
Op. 39, No. 5
9. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Op. 43
10. Prelude in D Major
Op. 23, No. 4
Master Rachmaninoff With Confidence
Ready to play Rachmaninoff with confidence? Let our Happy Pianist teachers guide you with personalized piano lessons