Classmates: Scriabin and Rachmaninoff

[dizzyfingers]

I had been wondering what the relationship between these two great composers was like in their student years, and afterward, knowing they attended the conservatory together - we they friends, keep a polite distance?  Hate each other?
Lo and Behold, someone made a very good video about it:

[essence]

Thank you, illuminating.

A bit like Steve Ovett v. Seb Coe.

[kosulin]

They were considered wunderkinds, were friends during concervatory years, and have shown deep respect to each. Which is a rare beast considering how diffeent their musical tastes were.
BTW they were classmates not only in concervatory, but before that as well - they both attended the same private music school.

[dizzyfingers]

...  considering how diffeent their musical tastes were.

I think they both started out deeply inspired by the past.  Scriabin admired Chopin.  And Rachmanoninoff was solidly anchored in the Tchaikovsky Russian tradition?  The difference is in how they evolved.  Scriabin was experimental and visionary, looking for a new music to express his ideas.  Rachmaninoff was content to remain traditional.  There is a quote to the effect that he wanted the common man to understand his music.

[essence]

I have always thought Chopin was much more futuristic than is commonly thought. For example his op 62 no 1 nocturne, or even the middle section of op 18 no 2, seem to look forward to Debussy.

But then Scriabin himself went much further than Debussy in his explorations, and looked forward to Messiaen. Birds or insects, take your pick.

Of course, being innovative is not the only mark of a genius composer.

[lelle]

Scriabin went batshit crazy you mean 

And I agree Chopin was pretty innovative for his day - and instantly recognizable, something many, many composers cannot claim.