Book excerpt: "Rachmaninoff was not only an important composer and one of the very greatest pianists of his time but also, for a period at least, his country's most notable conductor. This study considers all three careers in detail. Barrie Martyn examines each of Rachmaninoff's works in chronological order, analyses his remarkable style of playing and surveys his activities as a conductor. There are extensive references to Russian sources and the first appearance of a complete Rachmaninoff discography is included. This book is the only comprehensive study in any language of the three aspects of Rachmaninoff's musical career."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved