by JV, Sacramento
The man that inspires me the most, to be honest, is one that struggled, preserved, and overcame. This man was publicly shamed, shut down, and rejected by society. But this man never gave up. He went on to be remembered as one of the greatest composers in history, his name was Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Rachmaninoff was born into a family of musicians. It soon became clear that he was especially talented. At a very young age, he was sent to a prestigious Russian music school known as a conservatory. He was to be taught by the best pianists in the world at that time. During his years at the conservatory, he composed an opera and his first piano concerto, both of which were an instant success.
But all good things must come to an end. Rachmaninoff graduated from the conservatory within a few years and began work on his first symphony. After months of work, he expressed dissatisfaction with the piece and was reluctant to have it performed.
His friends convinced him to publish it, so he arranged for the world premier to be played by the Moscow Philharmonic. The performance was a disaster. The orchestra was way unprepared, under-rehearsed, and uncoordinated. To make matters worse, the conductor was drunk. Rachmaninoff famously walked out halfway through.
Everyone hated the piece. Everywhere he went, Rachmaninoff was met with scorn and shame. Overwhelmed, he retreated to a secluded island and remained there for almost two months. He had a mental breakdown but didn’t give up. He fought through the pain.
He spent those two months pouring his heart and soul into a stunningly beautiful piece which became his second piano concerto. This time, the premiere was met with wild applause and success. Rachmaninoff went on to compose dozens of more musical pieces, all of which are amazing and totally worth listening to.
His story, as well as his music, has always inspired me to persevere through whatever I’m facing. Humans were made to endure. We’ve endured plagues, famines, wars, and oppression and incarceration. Yet through it all, we survive. Perseverance defines us.
Those who struggle and persevere always succeed. When you face trouble or opposition, remember Rachmaninoff. Struggle. Persevere. Endure.