Rachmaninoff And Clinical Hypnosis
Updated: Apr 2, 2024
Written by: Mark Wilkes, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
During the latter part of the 19th century, Sergei Rachmaninoff was ascendant in the world of Russian music. A student of Tchaikovsky, a brilliant pianist and composer, Rachmaninoff had all the makings of a spectacular career. But then came the debut of his first symphony. It was panned by critics – disliked by the composer himself, and, depending on what report you read, perhaps conducted by a very drunk Alexander Glasunov. The composer, who likely suffered from depression over the course of his life, found the experience jarring, and led to a three-year hiatus from composing. The problem was that he had to have an income, and the thing he did best inspired psychological torment. Rachmaninoff was in a tough situation.
In 1899, a couple of years into his self-imposed exile from music, Rachmaninoff was referred to Nikolai Dahl, a psychiatrist. Dr. Dahl was well-known in the Moscow arts scene and was a practitioner of clinical hypnosis, as well as an amateur musician. Rachmaninoff worked with Dahl over the course of the next several months, reportedly meeting daily for four months, working on Rachmaninoff’s aversion to composition. Dr. Dahl’s approach might be in line with what we may call directive or traditional hypnosis. Surviving information suggests that Dr. Dahl would induce hypnosis and suggest to Rachmaninoff that he would "you will begin to write your concerto... you will work with great facility... the concerto will be of an excellent quality." This was reiterated daily for four months. During that time, the client, Rachmaninoff, began to believe, consciously and likely unconsciously, that he was indeed capable and that the only plausible outcome of his return to work would be a piece of music of the highest quality.
The result? Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, a mainstay of the modern concert repertoire.
Rachmaninoff was able to overcome his psychological impediments with the help of clinical hypnosis. Of course, talent and ability were always present. The mind was getting in its own way.
We might not all be on the cusp of one of the greatest musical achievements of Western Civilization, but many people have experiences similar to Sergei Rachmaninoff's. Maybe we self-sabotage in a relationship. Maybe we get the yips when we line up a four-foot putt on the golf course. Maybe we’re waffling about applying to a new job or having difficulty solving a complex problem.
While Clinical Hypnosis isn’t a cure-all, it is one approach that has proven helpful to many people over the last hundred and fifty years and will continue for many more.
Mark Wilkes, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mark Wilkes is a therapist and writer obsessed with space where cognitive and physical performance intersect. In clinical practice, Mark works with athletes, musicians, and business professionals to overcome the psychological impediments stopping them from reaching their potential. Outside of clinical work, Mark can be found in the mountains near his home in the Salt Lake City, UT area, trail running, mountain biking, or backcountry skiing.
