Solo Pianist - Diary entries

Many of the initial performance details listed here were compiled from Zarui Apetian’s important research, published in Literaturnoye Nasledie [Collected Literature] (Sovietskii Kompozitor: Moscow, 1980, vol. 3, pp. 439-467). These details have been subsequently cross-referenced and checked with the many itineraries and other corroborating materials, especially substantial research that identified precise program details, collected by Rachmaninoff’s sister-in-law, Sophia Satina, housed in the Rachmaninoff Archive of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C (LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R22, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89). Further information has been gathered from Barrie Martyn’s book Rachmaninoff: Composer, Pianist, Conductor (Scolar Press: London, 1990), A Catalogue of the Compositions of S. Rachmaninoff by Robert Threlfall and Geoffrey Norris (Scolar Press: London, 1982), and research undertaken at the Glinka Museum of Musical Culture, Moscow.

March 15 1938

Bristol, England
Colston Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: The transcription of Kreisler's Liebesleid and the Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, are noted as encores in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

March 17 1938

Hanley, England
Victoria Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

March 19 1938

Brighton, England
Brighton Dome

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

March 21 1938

Nottingham, England
Albert Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: The Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, is noted among the encores in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

March 22 1938

Newcastle, England
City Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: Satina notes that the Chopin Nocturne listed in the program was in D flat major, op. 27, no. 2, but was replaced by the Nocturne in F major. The attached review notes Tchaikovsky's Troika as among the encores. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

March 26 1938

Dublin, Ireland
Theatre Royal

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: The attached review does not mention the Paganin-Liszt Etude, although it appears in the attached press notice. The D flat major Nocturne was, according to the review, substituted for the advertised Nocturne in F major, op. 15, no. 1. The review also indicates the Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, a Chopin Waltz in A flat, and a Liszt transcription were given as encores. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

March 28 1938

Belfast, Ireland
Ulster Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is likely that the Chopin Mazurka was op. 63, no. 3, given that Rachmaninoff played it in other concerts this season. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

October 24 1938

Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Carnegie Music Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was constantly listed as A flat minor, it is likely that the work was op. 90, no. 4. The Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, a Chopin mazurka, and the transcription of Mussorgsky's Hopak are noted as encores in the attached reviews. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

October 28 1938

Columbus, OH, USA
Memorial Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

October 30 1938

Hartford, CT, USA
Bushnell Auditorium

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. An etude by Chopin is noted as the encore in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 1 1938

Lansing, MI, USA
East Lansing Peoples Church

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. The Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, is noted as the encore in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 9 1938

Boston, MA, USA
Ballroom of the Statler Hotel

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. Satina notes that this was a concert for the benefit of the ‘Boston School of Occupational Therapy’. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 10 1938

Cleveland, OH, USA
Music Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 12 1938

New York, NY, USA
Carnegie Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 14 1938

Ames, IA, USA
State Gymnasium

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: The attached press clipping appears to indicate that a different Beethoven sonata would be played, yet given the other error it is perhaps unreliable. No review has been found. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 15 1938

Kansas City, MO, USA
Ararat Temple

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. A Chopin mazurka and the Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, are noted as encores in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 18 1938

San Francisco, CA, USA
Memorial Opera House

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: Satina indicates that this concert began at 8.15pm. It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. The Spinning Song from Wagner's 'The Flying Dutchman' and the Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, are noted as encores in the attached reviews. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 22 1938

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Philharmonic Auditorium

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 23 1938

San Diego, CA, USA
Savoy Theater

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. Tchaikovsky's Troika, the transcription of Rimsky-Korsakov's Bumble Bee, and the Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, are noted as encores in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 26 1938

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Auditorium

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 28 1938

Portland, OR, USA
Auditorium

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. The Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, is noted as the sole encore in the second attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

November 29 1938

Seattle, WA, USA
Moore Theater

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. The Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, is noted as one of a number of encores in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 1 1938

Spokane, WA, USA
Fox Theater

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. Satina noted that the Rameau and Wagner-Brassin were not mentioned in the review she had been sent, yet the latter is noted in the one attached. The Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, is noted as the third encore. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 5 1938

Provo, UT, USA
Tabernacle

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. The Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no, 2, is noted as the encore in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 11 1938

Chicago, IL, USA
Orchestra Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 13 1938

Washington, DC, USA
Constitution Hall

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: Satina indicates that this concert began at 8.30pm. It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. Tchaikovsky's Troika, the transcription of Mussorgsky's Hopak, and the Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, are noted as encores in the attached reviews. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 15 1938

Philadelphia, PA, USA
Academy of Music

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. While the key of the Schubert Impromptu was consistently listed as A flat minor, Martyn (p. 434) confirms it was D. 899, no. 4. Satina has placed a question mark next to this recital, but it is not clear why. The attached review confirms the program Satina identified. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 17 1938

Jacksonville, FL, USA
Duval County Armory

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. It is possible that Liszt's Etude in D flat major was also played at this concert. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 19 1938

Miami, FL, USA
Edison High School Auditorium

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. Five encores are noted in the attached reviews, these being: the transcription of Kreisler's Liebesleid, Liszt's Liebestraum no. 3, the Prelude in C sharp minor, op. 3, no. 2, and the transcriptions of Rimsky-Korsakov's Bumble Bee and Mussorgsky's Hopak. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.

December 21 1938

Wilmington, DE, USA
Playhouse

Rachmaninoff's role: Solo Pianist

Notes: It is not clear which work by Rameau is indicated, but it could be the Gavotte and Variations (Gavotte et six doubles) from the Suite in A minor, RCT 5. The transcription of Rimsky-Korsakov's Bumble Bee and a Chopin waltz are noted as encores in the attached review. LoC, Sergei Rachmaninoff Archive, ML31.R33, Papers of Sophie Satin, boxes 82-89.