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1937/38 Sergey Vasilevich beginsa season on October, 18th a concert in Detroit and ends it on December, 25th in Boston. From thirty four concerts played for this time, ten it gives in various symphonic societies. In New York it plays the First concert with Филадельфийским an orchestra under control of J.Ormandi (one concert), in Cincinnati from J.Gusensom - Beethoven's First concert (two concerts) and the same in Chicago (one concert); in Clevelend from A.Rodzinskim it plays the Rhapsody and Родзинский - its Third symphony (two concerts), in Pittsburgh with Гузиковым - the Rhapsody (two concerts) and, at last, in Boston from S.Kusevitskim - the Rhapsody (two concerts).

To Sergey Vasilevichu played often in symphonic societies, it was necessary to concede constantly to requests of local managers and to execute one of the concerts or the Rhapsody. It for a long time would like to execute concerts of other authors. This time it has insisted in two cities on the and has executed Beethoven's First concert with the big hunting. Performance it was absolutely exclusive; about it have started talking, and since then Sergey Vasilevicha even have started to ask about inclusion of the Concert of Beethoven in the program.
Already Natalia Aleksandrovna constantly caring about health of Sergey Vasilevicha and worrying is a lot of years that it does not give itself(himself) an opportunity to have a rest neither in the winter, nor in the summer, insisted on that it even among winter did for four-five weeks having rummaged in work.

It, at last, managed to persuade it by means of the doctors advised to Sergey Vasilevichu поберечь of force. In this connection it is necessary to tell and about struggle against Sergey Vasilevichem because of its rest in the summer.

Sergey Vasilevicha'sstrengthened, incessant work started to be reflected on its health. Possibly, simple long rest would be sufficient for restoration of forces of an organism. However, living in Сенаре, Sergey Vasilevich did not give the present rest to the tired heart. Knowing it, Natalia Aleksandrovna every summer tried to persuade it to go on any resort. Hating resorts and hotels, Sergey Vasilevich refused such trips, speaking, that the best for it rest is a late, measured life of the house. All sometimes it surrendered on arrangements.
In the end of summer of 1933 Рахманиновы went in Байрейт to listen вагнеровские to operas and have passed therefrom and Dresden. In the summer Natalia Aleksandrovna has convinced it in July, 1935 when Sergey Vasilevich wrote the Third symphony, to treat heart in sanatorium Dengler in Baden-Baden. It went there very much unwillingly, not wishing to throw the begun symphony, and with horror thought of a life on a resort. According to the doctor's instruction, course of treatment should proceed four-six weeks. It has terminated, however, much earlier and absolutely suddenly, because of any currency complications with Germans. Germans, having submitted the account to Sergey Vasilevichu for the first ten-twelve days lived approximately, have refused to accept Sergey Vasilevicha's check from the Swiss bank, demanding that Sergey Vasilevich has written someone or somewhere the letter. It seems, all this complication has arisen because of Sergey Vasilevicha's Russian nationality. Sergey Vasilevich concerned to this question very sharply and was always ready to protect the rights and honour of Russian.

Revolted up to depth of soul this trick, not wishing to accept any explanations and apologies from administration of sanatorium and the bank which has gone on concessions, Sergey Vasilevich has immediately left from Germany and has returned in Сенар, not having finished course of treatment which, as he said, has strongly started to help it.

Next summer of 1936 Sergey Vasilevich agrees to go for three weeks on a resort to France - Экс-ле-Бэн. It was disturbed strongly with the begun arthritis; one of its fingers on the right hand has slightly swelled up (fifth) and caused sufferings during game. Being afraid, that adjournment of salts will extend and on other fingers, Sergey Vasilevich has passed course of treatment in Экс-ле-Бэн. On Sergey Vasilevicha's own recognition, it was very much helped by this treatment, and it regretted, that has not gone there earlier.

After rest in New York within all January, 1938 Sergey Vasilevich begins concerts in the Europe on February, 14th, 1938 and plays there till April, 2nd, having given for this term eighteen concerts: two - in Holland, three - in France, eleven - in England and on one in Zurich and the Vein. In Manchester and London Sergey Vasilevich played the Rhapsody and Beethoven's First concert. In Zurich the concert given by it was charitable in favour of society Pro-Uvertuta. In a vein during stay there Рахманиновых accident was already felt. Under windows of their hotel groups of people went, crying out all time something about Hitler and demanding Anschluss’а. According to the invitation received by Sergey Vasilevichem in advance from the Vein, there it was supposed soon after it recital to execute its "Bells" to that it was very much pleased. Day for three before execution of "Bells" all concerts in the Vein have been cancelled because of political events.

Strongly adhered to F.I.Shalyapin, Sergey Vasilevich has been very excited, услыхав during the trips across the Europe about it серьёзной illnesses. Having returned after a concert in London on April, 2nd to Paris, it has hastened to it and at once has seen and has understood, that the hope for recover is not present it. It two times went to day it to come to see, entertained it and with grief saw quickly come nearer end. Last visiting by Sergey Vasilevichem Shalyapin was in the evening on April, 10th; Sergey Vasilevich has decided to leave, as the dying Shalyapin's kind made upon it too heavy impression. Having come in 11-th morning to say goodbye to wife Shalyapin, it has not gone any more to Feodor Ivanovichu as last was in забытьи. Sergey Vasilevich has hastened to leave in Сенар. It could not force to arrive itself(himself) on Shalyapin's funeral and hard experienced its death in a solitude, in silent Сенаре. Disturbing political events in the Europe, accepted all more terrible character, strongly influenced Sergey Vasilevicha's mood and were reflected already in a life in Сенаре. Unstable position in the Europe, uncertainty in tomorrow have affected, for example, that in the autumn of 1938 Sergey Vasilevich did not know, whether it should go, according to the promise, to England or Henry Wood's assumed celebration will be cancelled. Sergey Vasilevich for a long time promised to take part in a concert on the occasion of fifty years' anniversary of Wood. Englishmen all over again did not know how to act. They all had time to telegraph for Sergey Vasilevicha in time. Celebration took place in huge Albert-hall, containing up to nine thousand person. Sergey Vasilevich played the Second concert. Two orchestras both two choruses took part in celebration, and brilliant public has filled all premise.

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Coming back from England, Sergey Vasilevich has stopped for two days in Holland and played the Rhapsody with Менгельбергом in the Hague and Amsterdam.

The season in America has begun on October, 21st, 1938 in Philadelphia where Sergey Vasilevich played under control of Орманди the First concert. The same program has been repeated by them on October, 22nd in Philadelphia, on October, 25th and 26 in Washington and Baltimore. The same Concert the author has executed 9 more December with Митропулосом in Minneapolis, then on December, 29th and 30 in the Philharmonic society in New York with Барбиролли.
Besides the First concert and Beethoven Sergey Vasilevich's First concert has executed on November, 4th in Saint Louis under control of Гольшмана and Beethoven's First concert in New York on November, 8th with Филадельфийским an orchestra under control of Орманди.
Sergey Vasilevich especially loved and appreciated Филадельфийский an orchestra. It considered as its best in the world and always acted with it when played for the first time the new things (the Fourth concert, the Rhapsody, « Three Russian songs », the Third symphony, « Symphonic dances »). Sergey Vasilevicha was amazed always with its sonority; all made by Sergey Vasilevichem??????? with an orchestra were with participation Филадельфийского of an orchestra.

Except for listed above the concerts given by Sergey Vasilevichem in a season 1938/39, it played in twenty nine recitals, having finished the performances in Rochester on January, 23rd, 1939. According to the schedule, Sergey Vasilevich should begin on February, 16th already concerts in England. It, however, strongly changed before departure and could not solve, whether go to the Europe. On the one hand, it seemed to it, that owing to political complications to public not before art. It has been assured of inevitable accident, and it would not like to get stuck in the Europe in case of war. On the other hand, it terribly would like to see the daughter lived with the husband and the son in Paris. It hoped to persuade it to move with семьёй to America or even to provide, as far as possible, its safety if it remains in the Europe. Has won its fluctuations love to the daughter, it has left to England where acted in eleven recitals and one time in Amsterdam, Bruxelles and Paris. The concert in Paris, data on April, 25th, last in a season, was charitable: Sergey Vasilevich played just the open new hall in favour of Action Artistique.

Having ended a season and having seen the daughter, Sergey Vasilevich became again before a dilemma: whether to remain to it with семьёй for the summer in Сенаре or to return now, in May, to America. It consulted about it in Paris on friends and the people close costing to the policy, it is more than it as it seemed to it, understanding a world situation. It asked advice, sending radiogramms, the relatives living in America. Well its known people understood, that under the given conditions of a peace of mind it all equally will not find neither in Сенаре, nor in America. As well as it was possible to expect, opinions of advisers were divided; the majority has been convinced, that accident is still far, that something such "is formed", that someone such will find a way out, that the Europe cannot simply admit war, etc.
Absolutely not not convinced by all these reasons, Sergey Vasilevich all "has somehow obeyed" to advice and has decided to remain for the summer in Сенаре. But, according to the steamship company, it is a lot of years transported it from the Europe to America and back, it has bought in May tickets to America, having persuaded with a steamship society, that it will transfer the tickets ordered by it within all summer from flight to flight while it will not leave. This outcome, this opportunity to leave at any time - in the summer or in the autumn - has a little calmed Sergey Vasilevicha. As to the daughter lived in France with the husband and the son it has made everything, that could to provide it on a case of need, having bought it besides in village, about Paris, a small site with the house where it could leave if in it there will be a necessity.

Meanwhile the summer in Сенаре passed. The mood of spirit of Sergey Vasilevicha strongly depend on news in newspapers. It all behaved in hands and nothing showed the nervous condition, trying to live normally and to be engaged as always. But the melancholy did not leave it, the anxiety grew, and in the beginning of August it has not sustained and has sent me the telegram with the request to find a small summer residence for it and Natalias Aleksandrovny on Lond Island. Sergey Vasilevich wrote, that they will arrive in the middle of August, and asked to hide from all this early returning to America. It is More, than ever, it would like to avoid meetings, inquiries, photographers and reporters.

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Departure from the Europe to Sergey Vasilevichu was necessary to postpone all for the end of August. It has made it, not wishing to bring organizers of concerts in Lucerne as which promised to act on August, 11th earlier. The cycle of concerts should take place in Lucerne, instead of the concerts arranged earlier in Salzburg. Because of unwillingness of many actors to go to the city borrowed by Germans the cycle was arranged in Lucerne. Participants of concerts were Rakhmaninov, Тосканини, Казальс and others. Sergey Vasilevicha's concert was free-of-charge.
Its sudden departure would not manage to be hidden from public who has gathered in Lucerne from all ends of the Europe. Sergey Vasilevicha's departure could break all this good undertaking. Sergey Vasilevich has found in itself enough will power to keep the promise and to offer the peace of mind. It was really the victim from its party as its aggravated nervous system always strongly reacted to events to which others did not pay even attention. Anyway, it has acted, according to the declared program, on August, 11th and played under control of Ансерме Beethoven's First concert and the Rhapsody. Interest to its performance was big. Many of the actors who have gathered on a musical holiday led by Тосканини send on rehearsal. It was the last in a life Sergey Vasilevicha's performance in the Europe.

The hall has been overflown by elegant public. Among visitors attracted attention presence of one of the richest магараджей India with the retinue, borrowed about forty places in a hall. Магараджа has been dressed in east suit with a turban. Upon termination of a concert to Sergey Vasilevichu have informed, that майзорскому магарадже with семьёй it would be desirable to arrive to it in Сенар. Though to Sergey Vasilevichu had no time for visitors before the departure from Сенара, and the main thing, because of alarm not leaving it but gives up to visitors it could not. In day or two in Сенар there has really arrived all family магараджи, except for its most. From arrived only one young man (secretary) spoke fluently in English. Both the wife, and daughters, and retinue have been dressed in national suits. Conversation was conducted only through the translator. The main entertainment of visitors was survey of a wonderful garden and Sergey Vasilevicha's house. Many pictures both from visitors and from owners have been made. Seeing off visitors, Рахманиновы send on a porch and, having said goodbye to them, waited, on Russian custom while cars will not get under way from a place. On not clear for owners to the reason cars all for some reason did not move, while the young secretary has not addressed to owners seeing off them, begging them to enter into the house. Before it, according to the Indian custom, is not dared to sit down in crew, and crews did not dare to get under way from a place. It has put all has not terminated. Has not passed also several minutes after their departure as new visitors have driven to house Рахманиновых. This time it it has appeared itself магараджа. It has arrived to ask Sergey Vasilevicha to hear to game of its daughter, big любительницы music and fans Sergey Vasilevicha. Sergey Vasilevich long refused, as leaved with семьёй next morning on August, 16th for Paris to prepare for departure to America. Магараджа all has begged it to stop at it in eight o'clock in the morning in hotel in Lucerne for a breakfast and to drink with it coffee. After a breakfast the daughter-beauty has executed (very much not bad, to Sergey Vasilevicha's surprise) a little prophetic on a piano, and then Rakhmaninov have shown film - wedding of the son магараджи, crown prince. This exotic film with display of the groom gone on the white elephant, unusual vegetation of India has very much interested Russian visitors in spite of the fact that it had no time for that and that they hurried up to Paris.

In the end of August war was already on a threshold. Рахманиновы all had time to leave on August, 23rd Paris up to the announcement of mobilization (it seems, it has been declared for other day after their departure). By a steamship "Aquitania" safety measures have been already accepted all; from fear of underwater attacks of a window in cabins have been covered by a black paint and are veiled. On a twist of fate and the first crossing to America Sergey Vasilevicha with семьёй and last crossing to its lives occured in identical conditions: because of fear of submarines the steamship was all time on the alert. Crossing was made all absolutely safely. Besides Sergey Vasilevicha's desire to arrive to America инкогнито has been carried out owing to the tip, given to its steward, and, the main thing, owing to courtesy of the captain of "Aquitania" which has agreed to not put name Рахманиновых in the list of passengers. Only rub-four persons known about arrival of Sergey Vasilevicha, met it. Having stayed with the wife in hot and stuffy New York of one and a half day, Sergey Vasilevich has moved with it on the car to the summer residence prepared for them, in thirty five miles from New York, Huntington, in Lond Island. Granting in accuracy Sergey Vasilevicha's desire to hide whenever possible the fact of its arrival to America, this summer residence it was possible to remove, not naming its name. Owners have agreed to hand over a summer residence to the unknown foreigner owing to the personal guarantee of one local resident - the scientist-American - the employee of scientific institute of a name Carnegie whom it was necessary to devote in this business. Certainly, and the representative of firm Stejnvej knew about arrival as it was necessary to put on a summer residence a grand piano for Sergey Vasilevicha before its arrival.

The late, the arranged well summer residence, the silence circle which is not broken neither phone calls, nor noise of cars, have helped Sergey Vasilevichu: it умиротворяюще has worked all on the actor absolutely suppressed by military accident. It worried for destiny of daughters, grand daughters and the grandson, remained in France. It exclusively hard experienced the war and worried, listening to all radio reports. With approach of long autumn evenings Sergey Vasilevich, not having lived on a summer residence up to the term established by the contract, in the beginning of October has moved to New York. It always was afraid of darkness. Because of darkness it so loved a life in village, never sat up in the autumn in village neither in Russia, nor in America, in Сенаре. It pulled in city, to the shined streets, to an accomplishment.
According to preparations in advance made by manager Sergey Vasilevicha, even in the spring of 1939 it has been decided to arrange in the autumn in New York a festival cycle of concerts from Rakhmaninov's compositions in execution of the author and Филадельфийского an orchestra under control of Орманди. The first concert of a cycle took place on November, 26th. Орманди conducted the Second symphony, Sergey Vasilevich played the First concert and the Rhapsody. The second concert of a cycle was on December, 3rd. Sergey Vasilevich played the the Second and Third concerts, Орманди the Island dead » conducted a poem «. The third concert has appeared the most interesting as Sergey Vasilevich has solved продирижировать the Third symphony and "Bells". This concert has caused the big interest. After many years of a break Rakhmaninov-conductor's performance, certainly, should cause interest. Sergey Vasilevich repeatedly refused from дирижёрства which to it offered in America, being afraid перетрудить hands movements from which they have weaned. This time it very much would like to execute the two favourite products and to hear them in execution corresponding it, author's, to understanding. Филадельфийский an orchestra, Вестминстерский the chorus which superb has in advance studied a party, singers - all with greater rise have executed on December, 10th "Bells". Even Sergey Vasilevich has remained satisfied this execution. The impression of "Bells" and of the Third symphony on public was enormous. The third symphony in execution of the author at once has become unrecognizable. Remains strongly to regret, that assumed execution of "Spring" of Rakhmaninov has been cancelled because of lack of time at chorus. Upon termination of this concert in the same evening, on December, 10th, director of firm Stejnvej suited the big reception in honour of Rakhmaninov on which, except for family and Sergey Vasilevicha's close friends, many musicians led by Орманди and other musical figures have been invited. Rakhmaninov's celebration has ended with this reception.

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In intervals between concerts of a cycle in New York the same executors played Philadelphia 1, 2, 4, on December, 8th and 9. The program has been a little changed, but Sergey Vasilevich and there продирижировал two times (on December, 8th and 9) the Third symphony and "Bells".
From other concerts of a season 1939/40 it is necessary to mention a concert given on November, 3rd in Minneapolis by Sergey Vasilevichem under control of D.Mitropulosa. Sergey Vasilevich played Beethoven's First concert and « Dancing of death » Leaf, the composition which to it for a long time was to be executed. Митропулос conducted Rakhmaninov's Third symphony. Execution it, that so seldom happened to Rakhmaninov, very much it was pleasant to it. Besides the composition has been perfectly studied, the author has been amazed by interpretation which coincided with how understood and it felt the symphony. Subsequently Sergey Vasilevich always preferred execution of compositions Митропулосом.

Other symphony concerts in this season were: in Clevelend on October, 26th and 28 where Sergey Vasilevich played the First concert from A.Rodzinskim, in Detroit on November, 16th executed with Коларом the Rhapsody, in Pittsburgh on January, 5th and 7 - the Second concert from F.Rejnerom, in New York on January, 10th and 12 - Beethoven's First concert from D.Barbirolli, on January, 19th and 20 in San Francisco - the Second concert from Item Монтё, on January, 25th and 26 in Hollywood - the Second concert from L.Stokovskim. Besides these twenty symphony concerts, Sergey Vasilevich has acted in 1939/40 in twenty four recitals.
In connection with developing events on ex-German front Sergey Vasilevicha's anxiety on the daughter and its family grew.

After the burst accident it did not find in France to itself(himself) rest. Besides подвергшись in May of small operation, it has weakened strongly and physically. As always, the late, measured and silent life which has come with crossing on a summer residence, has gradually returned to it forces and some vivacity of spirit.

Removed for the summer of 1940 the summer residence was magnificent. It was near to Huntington, Lond Island, and has been absolutely isolated from neighbours. At the house there was the enormous park passed in a wood, an orchard, own quay for a boat and a beach on coast of a sea gulf in length about mile. All manor with a wood borrowed about seventeen acres of the ground. The arrangement of rooms in the house was too very convenient as двухсветный Sergey Vasilevicha's cabinet with an enormous fireplace was away from other rooms. It could be engaged and compose freely, not hesitating of associates. Sergey Vasilevich did not like even to practise, if knew, that its music is audible at neighbours. Because of it on summer residences it played in the summer sometimes with the closed windows. When has put reached the composition presence even stirred the most close people to it. It composed only when has been assured, that nobody hears it or, is more true, maybe, that nobody listens to it. At the same time it was afraid to remain one in the house, in particular in the evenings, and preferred, that somewhere nearby there were people. The spacious house on summer residence Хонеймана was in this respect very convenient. Living in the summer of 1940 on this summer residence, Sergey Vasilevich усиленно was engaged, but besides it has had a rest a little in the beginning of summer. It walked on park and on a garden, admiring blossoming trees and bushes, watched a mowing, worked a little and on own kitchen garden. Trips on a motor boat and fishing were especially grew fond to it. By the big bought boat named by it again «Сенар», there was a small cabin and kitchen. It corrected, costing at a rudder though it was accompanied always with the sailor knowing all sea rules and responsible for order by a boat. When trips were distant, Sergey Vasilevicha supplied with provisions, and it had breakfast by a boat and had a rest in it, laying in a cabin or on a bench on a deck and inhaling pure sea air. It, apparently, has started to prefer these walks on the sea even to trips on the car.

Near to a summer residence there lived Russian friends. There came to it in the summer of M. and Century of Item Фокины, B.F.Shalyapin who has written from it this summer a portrait, Century S.Gorovits with the wife and others.

Having had a rest and, apparently, having gained strength, Sergey Vasilevich with extraordinary hobby is accepted to the composition of the of " Symphonic dances » op. 45. Preparing by forthcoming season and simultaneously composing, it worked from nine o'clock in the morning up to eleven one o'clock in the evening, with a break on an hour for rest. Such hard work was amazing and frightened relatives. Speed from which it wrote, is visible that on August, 10th it was accepted already to instrumentation which has finished by October. This thing is devoted Филадельфийскому to an orchestra and its conductor Ormandi.

Sergey Vasilevich wished to designate separate parts of " Symphonic dances »: "Day", "Twilight" and "Midnight", but has refused this idea.

Having ended work and burning impatience to hear this thing, it has agreed with Орманди, that will send it the copied partita in December that Орманди could learn it to the beginning of January, 1941. To make this work so it was quickly possible by means of pictures. Proof sheets of voices again followed Sergey Vasilevichem during its crossing from city in city. Sergey Vasilevich, not losing a minute, corrected for them and returned checked up. All was ready to the appointed term, but all, apparently, by execution, at Орманди there was no enough time to learn as follows this complex partita. The first execution of " Symphonic dances » took place in Philadelphia on January, 3rd and has been repeated in the same place on January, 4th and 6. In New York "Dances" have been played on January, 7th.

Sergey Vasilevich always very strictly and critically concerned to the products. It was often disappointed, finding in them those or other lacks, and aspired to alter already printed product. The attitude to « Symphonic dances » was other. It up to the end of a life loved them, it is probable including the best product, and was pleased, when learned, that this or that conductor wishes them to execute. It hoped, that the M. of M. Фокин will put ballet on this music. The last too, apparently, would like to work above it. Фокин should wait for occurrence promised by company " Victor " граммофонных пластинок which were necessary for it, as reading of the partita received by it from Sergey Vasilevicha, was for it too complex business. They not time conferred on a theme about ballet, but to carry out intention - to put ballet with music of " Symphonic dances » Rakhmaninov - because of death Фокина, followed in the summer of 1942, and it was not possible.

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War with Russia continued all more and more to excite Sergey Vasilevicha. Its sight at an outcome of war was deeply pessimistic. In the beginning, as well as the majority of people in America, it has been assured, that Russian at once will be crushed by German hordes. It passed with despair to hope and from hope to despair. Last feeling prevailed. Not listening personally almost never news by radio (it did not transfer excessive chatter and a mix серьёзного with nonsense; in particular irritated its unnecessary comments), it all the summer long and autumn three times a day waited and listened with impatience and excitement of the resume of messages which did to it the wife or other members of family.

It was afflicted deeply with defeatist mood of some groups of Russian colony and full misunderstanding among Americans of an event in Russia. Powerless to help the native land, it felt and experienced with it, with the aggravated impressionability peculiar to it, all horrors of war and repeatedly even in the autumn, in village, spoke, that should something make, undertake, but that - it still did not know. Modest by nature the person, Sergey Vasilevich in a shower, possibly, understood, that to its opinion many listen both among Russian, and among Americans. By the autumn at it has ripened the decision - openly to act and show the example to Russian that it is necessary to forget during such time all insults, all of disagreement and to be united for the help, who than and as can, exhausted and the suffering Russia. It understood, that its public performance, its appeal to support of Russia will help business and that it will make impression and upon known circles of Americans which partly because of political views, and mainly because of mistrust to Russian and full underestimation and недопонимания that occurs in Russia, often refused where could, with the help and prevented wishing to help. Always hating advertising, Rakhmaninov has decided to use widely this time it and to place in all announcements in newspapers about a concert in New York, that from a concert it gives all gathering on medical aid of Russian army. Such announcement to place to it it was not necessary: some of Americans close to Sergey Vasilevichu have resolutely opposed it. It was possible manage all on that the announcement of the help of Russian army has been printed in programs of its New York concert so public could familiarize with this fact at an input in a hall; Newspapers, certainly, have noted this fact next day. It is difficult to imagine the effect proexhausted by this news at that time even only on Russian colony in America. Sergey Vasilevich received letters of gratitude from many people from the farthest corners of the United States and Canada, from representatives of all layers and classes of the Russian occupying these countries. Wrote persons колеблющиеся, the persons, wanted to help Russian, but not known how to act, the persons, afraid charges in sympathy to communists. People, already started to collect to the aid of Russia and seen on behalf of Rakhmaninov wrote encouragement. Sergey Vasilevichu, apparently, really managed to give the example any push to Russian and as though to open it eyes what to do. Contrary to advice of persisting Americans which wanted that the collected money have been transferred to Russian through the American Red Cross, Sergey Vasilevich has decided to transfer all gathering, in the sum of 3920 dollars, to directly Russian general consul in New York of Century to A.Fedjushinu.

As to the concert which is taken place on November, 1st Sergey Vasilevicha's game this time was absolutely exclusive. It was one of those few concerts who has satisfied Sergey Vasilevicha. It played with rare inspiration and has made unforgettable impression upon many, many times heard it before.

In the program there were Variations A-dur of Mozart, the Sonata op. 111 Beethovens, Новеллетта fis-moll Schuman and the Sonata for violin E-dur I.S.Baha shifted by Rakhmaninov for a piano; in the second branch Sergey Vasilevich played some songs (Schuman, Schubert, Шопена, Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov), shifted for a piano the Leaf, Таузигом and Rakhmaninov. The one who at all did not hear the Sonata op. 111 Beethovens and Mozart's products in Rakhmaninov's interpretation, does not know Rakhmaninov-pianist. As to songs not heard them on November, 1st cannot simply imagine all beauty of its tone, that inspiration with which it "sang" these songs, in particular well-known «Серенаду» Schubert. Now it seems absolutely inexcusable the fact, that these songs have not been written down on a plate in time in the main branch of company " Victor " in Кампдене. Record all has been made by spring of 1942 in one of their branches in California where Sergey Vasilevich had a rest, living in hotel « the Garden Alla ». Conditions of record in California it is far not so are perfect, as in Кампдене, and hardly a plate will transfer Rakhmaninov's game without distortions.

Here pertinently to stop on Sergey Vasilevicha's attitude to?????????????????????????????? . It was afraid of this procedure, often refused record or delayed it it is how much possible. Exclusively well self-controlled before a concert and loving to address to public, Серей Vasilyevich strongly was nervous at record, despite of the most precautionary attitude of all persons who are taken part it: техников, mechanics, etc. It was stirred by breaks during the game, the compelled stops, the calls specified when it is necessary to begin. The last have replaced for it then with light signals, that for some reason it excited less. All it could not be given entirely to game, be forgotten, as on a platform, it did not have not enough necessary contact to public which it always so sharply felt in concerts.

Always exacting to itself, Rakhmaninov was done still строже when listened written down, put the veto, ruthlessly broke trial a plate. Many from defective пластинок in general were very good, but because of one chord or a passage which is not absolutely satisfied Sergey Vasilevicha, they were there and then destroyed. Only playing with an orchestra, Sergey Vasilevich was less strict: it was awkward to it to force to change a thing, knowing, such execution and as it was difficult to find the companies a free time has been connected with what charges, convenient to an orchestra and it. From such compelled more indulgent attitude to the executed Sergey Vasilevichu it was not easier. It often spoke, that made a plate serve it as the best lesson and a parameter of what should be avoided in execution. Sergey Vasilevich caught in game something its not satisfying or sometimes something such that did not know behind itself.
Its negative attitude to performances by radio is known to all America. Vainly different companies in eager rivalry offered it greater sums of money to break its attitude to this business. They invariable received polite, but firm refusal. Sergey Vasilevich as the actor considered inadmissible to play for itself by radio, technical imperfections will not be eliminated yet all by transfer. The present piano, forte by radio to transfer it is impossible; the nonprofessionals of mechanics sitting at the device and supervising a sound, autocratically reduce or increase force of a sound, deforming thus interpretation of the actor. On it to go Sergey Vasilevich did not want.
, according to the manager, as well Sergey Vasilevichrefused performance in films.

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Having finished on March, 3rd a season 1941/42, Sergey Vasilevich has lived about two months in New York, borrowed mainly transposition of the of " Symphonic dances » for their execution on two pianoes.

It has decided to leadsummer with семьёй to California, somewhere on a summer residence about Hollywood. To go on a former summer residence to Lond Island to it it would not be desirable. Strict rules of blackout because of the war, the limited opportunities of movement on the car and on the sea by a boat - all it did not promise anything pleasant on Lond Island. On the other hand, presence at Hollywood big group of lovely Russian friends and friends has affected Sergey Vasilevicha's decision to leave for all summer to far California. It pulled to Russian, and many Russian friends in New York have left therefrom because of their translation for other cities in connection with military orders.

On a way to California to the beginning of May Sergey Vasilevich has stopped in Ann Arbor to participate in musical festival to which it has been invited together with Филадельфийским an orchestra and Орманди. It has executed « Island dead » and « Symphonic dances ».
In July of the same 1942, living in the country, Sergey Vasilevich has agreed to play and in a concert well-known Hollywood Bowl. It is the greater hollow surrounded by mountains; concerts occur on open air, and a place arranged for public, contains many thousand listeners. Sergey Vasilevich with Бакалейниковым again played the Second concert.

Рахманиновы lived in the country nearby Беверли-Хиллса, located on mountain with a wonderful kind on far spread valley. Except for Russian group in Hollywood, Sergey Vasilevich met and musicians: Stravinsky, Рубинштейном, Hoffmann, Бакалейниковым and others. Рахманиновы often saw Century S.Gorovitsem and its wife. Sergey Vasilevich often in the evenings played with Горовицем on two pianoes. Among other products they played also new transposition of " Symphonic dances ». The summer lead by Sergey Vasilevichem thus, differed from other themes, that it had an opportunity to communicate with the people most close to it on spirit, - musicians, actors and actors.

Sergey Vasilevich understood and felt, that its active artistic activity comes to an end. To act on a platform, to appear in concerts if physically it not in a condition will be kept at that height which has reached in execution, it, as the actor as the musician loving art above all, could not admit. On the other hand, the life without concerts horrified it. Time of the termination of its performances all came nearer. Last two-rub years it all complained of the general weariness is more often, spoke about the termination of concerts, that does not know that will do and where to live, looked narrowly at summer residences and manors to arrange to itself a new corner, not having because of war of an opportunity within several years to live in Сенаре, etc. And here, having lead summer in California, it has decided to buy the small house in Беверли-Хиллсе and to locate there, and to New York to come with Natalia Aleksandrovnoj only for a month-two to see friends and to listen to music. The small private residence on Эльм Драйв, 10, has been prepared for crossing to it Рахманиновых even in the autumn of 1942 before their departure to New York. Furniture and all necessary for a facilities also has been bought and placed with calculation, that after a season 1942/43 Sergey Vasilevich and Natalia Aleksandrovna will remain in California and will arrive to itself in available and with comfort the arranged house. Before departure to New York they have invited one Russian lady to watch order in the house in their absence and have employed the gardener for watering a garden. About the garage stood in a garden, it has been decided to attach then studio for Sergey Vasilevicha's employment. At purchase of this house of Sergey Vasilevicha two birches grown near to its site (by the way, they have been cut already down when its patients have brought home) have seduced, apparently, most of all. It often spoke about beauty of these birches. Its own tree - the enormous larch grown at an entrance was grew fond to it still. Sergey Vasilevich, loved to build and create all life, and this time has taken a great interest in new purchase. It with love and hobby, itself chuckling at itself(himself) and the "greater" site, spent for its accomplishment all free hours from employment. Sergey Vasilevicha's this purchase - the house in California - was its last haven on the ground. It in it also has died.

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Sergey Vasilevicha's last concert season - 1942/43 - has begun on October, 12th recital’ем in Detroit. All gathering from a concert on November, 7th in New York, in the sum of 4046 dollars, Sergey Vasilevich has again given for needs of war; the part has been transferred through the general consul of Russia, the part has gone to the American Red Cross. From all concerts of this season three especially interested Sergey Vasilevicha. They have been given 17, on December, 18th and 20 the Philharmonic society of New York and went under control of Митропулоса. In first two Sergey Vasilevich played the Rhapsody. Not it interested it, and that in all three concerts Митропулос played it « Symphonic dances ». It already heard this thing in execution Митропулоса which has very satisfied it in Minneapolis. As it was very difficult to Sergey Vasilevichu to please the author; it seldom liked execution of its products by other actors. But Митропулос, as well as at execution of its Third symphony, was exception. Sergey Vasilevich that is rare with it happened, before a concert with hunting has lost Митропулосу on a piano for " Symphonic dances », has instructed also explanations. Sergey Vasilevicha's this love to last product is surprising. It did not listen to any composition with such hunting, any of them so did not wish зарекордировать, as « Symphonic dances ». And all time something stood on its way in this respect. Its desire and remains outstanding. It very much interested, what attitude will cause execution of " Symphonic dances » in Russia as Russian musicians will react to this composition, Russian public. It knew, that nothing helps so to acquaintance with new product, as граммофонные a plate. Somebody Would be desirable to trust, that though after death of the author, in its memory, возьмётся for this business and will write down this, such Russian, swan песнь Rakhmaninov on a plate.

Current 1942 was anniversary year of Rakhmaninov: fifty years of intensive artistic activity. To relatives Sergey Vasilevich has categorically forbidden to remind and speak about it. Certainly, its desire was for them the law. Most of all it was afraid, that about it will start talking a press and that in this connection inevitable celebration, banquets, speeches and so forth Now, during horrors of the war will follow, similar celebration seemed to it an intolerable discord and more than not by time. It is and still thought, that it has been slightly wounded by that anybody in America, except for one reporter in Philadelphia, about it has not recollected. Especially Sergey Vasilevich has been happy and touched, that in Russia about this anniversary have not forgotten. It about it from the Russian newspapers, sent to it from embassy of Century has learned I.Bazykinym. In America this anniversary has noted been privately: After its last concert in New York on December, 18th its friends have celebrated anniversary together with Sergey Vasilevichem in the close amicable company. Firm Stejnvej, услыхав about an anniversary, has presented Sergey Vasilevichu the magnificent grand piano, delivered to it in its new house in California.

After a concert on December, 18th, Sergey Vasilevicha who has appeared by last concert in New York, it has made a break for six weeks. Had a rest, being engaged only as usually, two-rub hours per day, to support technics at due height. It occasionally complained of weariness that was natural, considering its years (sixty nine years) and a continuous nervous life, has slightly grown thin and has somehow turned yellow, but in general it seemed, that with it all is safe. Having caught a cold in the end of January, 1943 before the departure in the tour, appointed for February, 3rd, Sergey Vasilevich has not wanted to cancel concerts and has insisted on departure. Its will power was amazing. How many time absolutely sick, it did not cancel the performance only to not bring it organizers of a concert. Overcoming itself(himself), suffering from any strong pain, sitting with the raised temperature behind a grand piano, it played to execute the obligation taken up. There was a case when it played that time as because of a strong pain in a back could not neither rise, nor sit down without assistance. All should be made it both before a concert, and after it, at the lowered curtain. And this time, in February, 1943, Sergey Vasilevich, it is obvious again overcoming itself and hiding from relatives the weakness and a painful condition, has left in the next tour according to the schedule. There is no doubt, that during this time illness which has sent it to the grave, was already in it.

Concerts have begun in small small town in Pennsylvania. The following concert has passed in Columbus, Ohio. The close friends who have arrived to Columbus of Rakhmaninov, E.I.Somov and its wife, have been amazed Sergey Vasilevicha's by bad kind. All it has been attributed to its recent cold. Having cancelled a concert in Clevelend, Sergey Vasilevich has arrived to Chicago where it played on February, 11th and 12 and where enthusiastic reception has been rendered to it. In both concerts all public has risen at Sergey Vasilevicha's occurrence on a platform and, having arranged upon termination of a concert овацию, long did not release it. It has been satisfied by the execution.

I mark this detail only to emphasize, that else for six with small weeks to death Sergey Vasilevich was all the same Rakhmaninov, remained at the same height as the actor and what even illness destroyed it has not broken its artistic spirit. Having remained day on three in Chicago, Sergey Vasilevich began to complain of a pain in a side. The doctor called for them has attributed it to a small pleurisy and a neuralgia and has allowed to continue concerts, having advised to live on the sun and in heat. Having left Chicago, Sergey Vasilevich who already absolutely has weakened, played Луизвилле on February, 15th, refusing to cancel a following concert, on February, 17th, in Knoxville that in the autumn it has already troubled the local manager, having transferred the concert appointed there for February. The concert in Knoxville was Rakhmaninov's last concert. Sergey Vasilevich felt all worse. Having cancelled concerts in Florida, and then and in state of Texas, Sergey Vasilevich and Natalia Aleksandrovna have decided to pass soon directly to New Orleans that, having refused from all concerts in the south, to go therefrom in Беверли-Хиллс. Sergey Vasilevicha should have a number of concerts in California, appointed for March. It thought, that will recover, having got home and having lived there in heat as it was advised by the Chicago doctor. Rakhmaninov it was necessary to live two-rub days while to the representative of a concert bureau accompanying them, Mr. Hovardu Heku, it was not possible to get berths up to California in New Orleans. On road between New Orleans and Los Angeles at Sergey Vasilevicha has begun кровохарканье which, however, has soon stopped. Dear, absolutely sick and weakened, it dreamed only of one: to reach somewhat quicker home in Беверли-Хиллс and to cause to itself the familiar Russian doctor to whom it trusted and with which could agree. But also here it has met a unexpected obstacle as at station in Los Angeles where they have reached on February, 26th, the carriage of the first help with hospital attendants and the doctor who have left for Sergey Vasilevichem under the order of relatives of Sergey Vasilevicha who learned about its illness and has agreed by phone from New York that it have met at station already waited and have prepared for a place in hospital. Despite of Sergey Vasilevicha's requests to release it home, it had to obey and go to hospital. It has stayed there not for long. Doctors have found at it an inflammation of a lung and traces of a pleurisy, but Sergey Vasilevicha's persevering requests to transport it home this time have been complied.
At home Sergey Vasilevich all over again has felt better. The Russian doctor And. Century Golitsyn daily visited it, it has invited to Sergey Vasilevichu the Russian sister of mercy About. Mordovian. Under Golitsyn's insisting to Sergey Vasilevichu other doctor, doctor Moore, and in some days, on March, 11th has been invited to a consultation, to family the awful message, that at Sergey Vasilevicha a cancer of lungs and has been informed to a liver and that bones and muscles are amazed already. No operation could help. Everything, that it was necessary to make to relatives, it to hide from it the awful truth as Sergey Vasilevich always with mystical fear spoke about death. It, apparently, was possible.

Sergey Vasilevicha'sashes is based upon a cemetery in Kensico, near to New York.
Having finished this biographic sketch about Sergey Vasileviche Rakhmaninov, it would be desirable still more some words from itself for its characteristic as the person. It will add told a little.

Sergey Vasilevicha'sdistinctive qualities were kindness and responsiveness to sufferings and needs of others mostly unknown to it of people. Very few people knows, how its help still before in Russia and in particular here abroad remained "there" and living "here", that is to the Russian people disseminated worldwide was great. It was very modest and at all did not transfer a sensation and advertising. Despite of a seeming inaccessibility and severity, it was very simple and естествен in circulation and accessibl to everyone who really required its help or advice. It did not forgive a deceit never and remembered its long years. Access to it of the person who has deceived it, has been closed for ever. In anger Rakhmaninov was terrible. It usually became silent, when became angry, but silence it was more terrible than any words.
It always strongly was touched with any delicately expressed care of it. It was sociable only in a circle of very close people, but also here this sociability had clearly expressed limit through which it never crossed. It was very much скрытен concerning everything, that concerned its music, and concerning itself. Words about, about the experiences and about the creativity it of anything or nearly so nothing spoke. Only time at me has for a moment mentioned, that all words to what, that all it is stated in its products and expresses in its game.

To understand Rakhmaninov-person, it is necessary to listen, not philosophizing, its music.

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That's all folks!! A very good exercise to train your copy and paste muscles

The project is complete.

I know the online translator is stupid but this is a temporary project until someone with a Russian tongue really translates these :p

PS. The online translator crashed with the following pages .. so I did not paste them here

J.S.Fatova

A.Hurst

M. SHaginjan, « My memoirs about With. Century Rakhmaninov »

Enjoy!