Several names come to mind when one ponders about composers related to the Russian music condition. Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Nikolai Medtner come readily to mind.
However, today we will be focusing on two other composers no less famous than the ones mentioned above. Igor Stravinky and Sergei Rachmaninoff both easily belong among the top composers of their time, each carving a niche for himself upon the higher echelons of music writing. However despite being born a mere 9 years apart, the compositional styles of both composers are far from similar. Stravinsky was hailed as one of the greatest innovators of 20th century music, while Rachmaninoff is considered by many to be one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era, bringing the music of the late Romantic to a grand finale. Stravinsky’s attitude towards music was objective, consistent, and always to the point. Rachmaninoff on the other hand composed when he wanted to, often likened music to the human condition, and allowed his emotions guide the music.
Because of these differences, Stravinky’s music was often consistent, maintaining a high level of innovation and brilliance while always retaining a distinctive, essential identity. Rachmaninoff on the other hand was often describe to be a moody, pensive and emotional man. He would take long walks by himself, or lock himself in an isolated room, devoid of any kind of distraction or interaction. At the end of this meditation, Rachmaninoff would emerge from his stupor, ready with a new composition filled with a passion and emotion that even Chopin would have found difficult to match.
A “look” into Stravinky’s music would impress upon one an “image” full of bright, vivid, almost violent colours. Bursting with innovation and energy, Stravinky’s music is often characterized by bright sounds, facilitated with the instrumentation of flutes and brasses, most notably the fanfare patterns of the trumpets.
Rachmaninoff on the other hand incites within one feelings of darkness and melancholy. Listening to his music, one is easily gripped by feelings of ardor. The ease with which Rachmaninoff invites listeners into his own personal world on melancholia and the way he seems to allow time to stop and distractions to fall away can only be a testament to his immense talent and a hint as to the violent waves of emotion hidden within the composer. Below is a composition written by the composer himself after being inspired by a painting he came upon. Perhaps the image accompanied with the music can give you a clue as to what an “image” of his music may look like.
