Joseph Horowitz in The American Scholar reviewed Fiona Maddocks’s forthcoming book, “Goodbye Russia: Rachmaninoff in Exile.” The biography delves into the composer’s life after leaving his homeland, focusing on his emotional and creative struggles while in exile and providing an intense portrayal of what the composer left behind in Soviet Russia.
Why it matters:
- Unveiling Private Rachmaninoff: The book uncovers private recordings and anecdotes, offering a more intimate perspective on Rachmaninoff’s emotional and creative life beyond his well-known public image.
- Artistic Rediscovery: The discussion of a rediscovered early recording of Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances” emphasizes the emotional depth and intensity of Rachmaninoff’s music, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the composer’s work.
- Exile and Creativity: Maddocks explores Rachmaninoff’s life in exile, detailing his struggles, stable personal life, and continued artistic contributions, challenging perceptions of him as a faded figure in the shadow of contemporary composers.
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