Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Russian

4 piano concertos, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

• As a young man, Rachmaninoff amazed his teachers with his jaw-dropping talent on the piano and in his compositions.
• Rachmaninof possibly had the largest hands in classical music history. His hand could span 12 piano keys from the tip of his pinky to the end of his thumb.
• He had a passion for fast cars and speed boats. He was the first in his neighborhood to own an automobile.