The most complete collection of works by Rachmaninoff will be published in Russia

Russian National Museum of Music and Russian Music Publishing House announced the release of the complete collection of works by Sergei Rachmaninoff in 50 books. The project is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great Russian composer.

“We have to work hard. By 2023, we hope to present all volumes of the piano series of the collection, as well as the release of the first editions of the Second and Third Piano Concerts,” said Mikhail Bryzgalov, Director of the Museum of Music, member of the Council of Russian Musical Union.

The work on the collection started in 2002, since then 11 books have been published. In the framework of the project, the museum provides the publishing house with archive materials related to the composer’s work.

The scientific work involved not only experts from both organizations, but also leading experts in Rachmaninoff’s works. The main part of the scientific work consists in the study and decrypting of the composer’s musical notes, publication of the first editions of works left unpublished during his lifetime.

The outstanding Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff was born on March 20, 1873. He studied in the conservatories in St. Petersburg and Moscow. From 1900, he performed as a pianist and conductor in Russia and abroad. From 1918 until his last days he lived in the United States. He died on March 28, 1943, in California.