At the center of this expertly crafted biography is primarily the musician Rachmaninoff and his significance as a composer, conductor, and pianist in music history, as well as the man Rachmaninoff himself. The development of his compositions is illustrated through numerous musical examples, and the pianist and conductor is followed on concert tours through Europe and the USA. The vivid portrayal creates a detailed picture of the fascinating personality of Rachmaninoff, enriched by letters, statements from contemporaries, interviews, and newspaper reports, while also illuminating cultural, social, and political contexts.