April Composer Birthdays

This April celebrates two great composers, one classical and one jazz. Sergei Rachmaninoff (April 1, 1873 - 1943) and Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 - 1974). Both were regarded as geniuses of their craft, and left a lasting impression on the music world long after they passed.

Sergei Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer and virtuoso pianist. He was, in fact, considered one of the greatest pianists of his time. As a young student he attended the Moscow Conservatory, where he debuted his riveting Prelude in C Sharp Minor (Op. 3, No. 2):

Rachmaninoff encapsulated what is considered to be the bombastic yet passionate "Russian" sound that many other composers of the time emulated. After experiencing a bout of depression after a poor reception of his first piano concerto, Rachmaninoff composed his second piano concerto to critical acclaim:

This concerto, along with the 3rd, is considered a staple and necessity in most professional pianists' repertoire.

The second composer we explore is Duke Ellington, one of the most influential jazz composers ever. Born in Washington D.C., Ellington got his start in New York City in support of the Harlem Renaissance. His creative use of the orchestra and/or big band was what helped usher in jazz as a respected art form. He has written a myriad of hit tunes such as; "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing), "In A Sentimental Mood", "Mood Indigo", "Take the 'A' Train", "Perdido", "C Jam Blues" and the list goes on and on.

(Notice in this tune the use of the violin, a lot of people have a misconception that jazz doesn't use string instruments!)

Both musicians were expert pianists and composers of their craft. Both pushed musical boundaries; Rachmaninoff with his virtuosic playing and Duke Ellington with his artistic and creative scorings of jazz music. Without either, there would be a very noticeable gap in the evolution of music!