Rachmaninoff, Sergei

In February 1930, Englewood hosted one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century when Sergei Rachmaninoff performed before a packed audience at St. Cecilia’s Auditorium under the auspices of the Englewood Conservatory of Music. According to The Record, the recital drew hundreds and was marked by “warmth and vigor” that thrilled local music lovers. The Performance The review emphasized not only Rachmaninoff’s technical mastery but the emotional power of his playing. Though often described as aloof, the critic noted that in performance he radiated warmth and personality that dispelled distance between artist and audience. His program was demanding and substantial, including: Ludwig van Beethoven – Sonata, Op. 78 Robert Schumann – Novelletten, Op. 21 Frédéric Chopin – Sonata in B-flat minor (including the famous “Marche Funèbre”) His own Études-Tableaux Richard Strauss (Strauss–Tausig) – Valse Caprice (“One Lives But Once”) The review highlighted his interpretation of Chopin in particular, suggesting that a “new spirit” entered the hall when he turned to that composer. The audience was described as fascinated, even rapturous — especially during the Prelude in C-sharp minor (“The Bells of Moscow”). Encores and Audience Reaction Rachmaninoff gave two encores: A Chopin Nocturne A Chopin Waltz The paper described the atmosphere as electrified yet intimate — the pianist’s fingers “caressing” the keys and producing a tone at once powerful and tender. The hall’s bright lighting and white walls, the reviewer suggested, could not outshine the brilliance of the performer himself. Civic Significance for Englewood The article framed the evening as a point of pride for Englewood. That a town of its size could attract an artist who had recently appeared at Carnegie Hall was treated as evidence of cultural seriousness and ambition. It reinforced Englewood’s emerging identity — during the interwar period — as a regional center for high culture. This performance also fits within the broader effort of the Englewood Conservatory (and later the Northern Valley Civic Music Association) to build a permanent audience for classical music in Bergen County.

Library of Congress

1921