In this paperback edition of the award-winning 2005 biography of Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), a UK musicologist focuses more on the music of this influential Russian pianist, composer, and conductor than on his private life. Harrison points out that beyond the famed "Rach 3" piano concerto, his Romantic symphonies and choral music have been gaining in appreciation. Despite Rachmaninoff's avoidance of modern composers, the author contends that he was influenced by jazz after emigrating to America. The book includes musical examples, chronological and classified lists of his works, a discography, and bibliography. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)