A leading composer of the late Russian Romantic period, an outstanding pianist who made his mark in history, and a conductor. He studied piano and composition at the Moscow Conservatory, blossoming his talent at a young age and creating numerous works. However, following the 1917 Russian Revolution, he was forced to leave his homeland and eventually immigrated to the United States. After his exile, he primarily focused on his career as a concert pianist to earn a living, which significantly slowed his pace of composition. Nevertheless, he toured extensively worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a musician.

His music, while inheriting the tradition of Russian music stemming from Tchaikovsky and others, is characterized by long, lyrical melodies, rich and chromatic harmonies, and intricate, profound counterpoint. He left masterpieces across a wide range of genres, including highly demanding piano concertos and solo pieces that fully reflect his exceptional performing technique, as well as symphonies, songs (romances), and even choral works incorporating the sounds of Russian Orthodox chants. His emotionally rich style, imbued with an inexpressible deep sorrow and nostalgia (known as 'toska' in Russian), continues to move the hearts of people worldwide, transcending eras and borders.