Rachmaninoff

1917–1925: Leaving Russia, emigration to the US, and concert pianist

Rachmaninoff's first visit to Europe since emigrating occurred in May 1922, with concerts in London. This was followed by the Rachmaninoffs and the Satins reuniting in Dresden, after which the composer prepared for a hectic 1922–1923 concert season of 71 performances in five months. For a while, he rented a railway carriage that was fitted with a piano and belongings to save time with suitcases. In 1924, Rachmaninoff declined an invitation to become conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1925, Rachmaninoff's first daughter, Irina, became widowed while pregnant with his granddaughter, Sophie Volkonsky. Subsequently, Rachmaninoff founded TAIR — a publishing company named after his daughters, Tatiana and Irina. Based in Paris, TAIR specialised in works by Rachmaninoff and by other Russian composers.