Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Here is Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) himself playing the first movement (Moderato) from his second piano concerto.

Written between 1900 and 1901, Rachmaninoff slaved over its composition for many hours a day for more than half a year. It had been the first large work he had created since his poorly received first piano concerto four years earlier.

The result, however, remains one of Rachmaninoff's most well-known and beloved works that is a pillar in today's piano repertoire.