Famous Logical Intuitive Introverts (LII)

>> Before I read about Socionics, I always thought Rachmaninoff was NF. Unlike Bach, Bartok, Mendelssohn, Handel, Borodin, and a number of other composers, Rachmaninoff seemed determined to hide any showcasing of his logical/analytic skills in his music. Although this is just my own subjective impression, it seems that his music was often focused on portraying the emotions related to personal relationships.

However, I understand why would make sense from the point of view that many composers seek to create what they would want to hear (e.g., possibly recreating an image of their own dual type), rather than an image of who they are themselves. And the idea of creating maximal emotional effect would suggest a / axis.

Nevertheless, I wonder if you ever considered the possibility of Rachmaninoff being delta NF, and how you eliminated that possibility.

Of course the interesting thing about Rachmaninoff's approach to the piano is that despite any lack of practice, he as known as one of the greatest pianists.

I have considered different types for Rachmaninoff over the years, including Delta Quadra types (starting with LSE). One of the main reasons I concur with most socionists about LII is that Rachmaninoff was always a part of "Bohemian" cultural circles of artists and performers — not your typical down-to-earth Delta Quadra setting of hard work, individualism, and healty leisure. For example, for decades Rachmaninoff was a very close friend of Feodor Chaliapin, the famous opera singer, artist, and sculptor. The two performed together for years before Rachmaninoff's emigration. Chaliapin seems to have been an SEI or ESE, judging by his most remarkable qualities. Later Rachmaninoff was befriended by Horowitz (ESE by my estimation), and the two were quite close friends till Rachmaninoff's death. The contrast between Chaliapin's and Rachmaninoff's personalities was often noted:

"The creative and human bond between two characters as different from each other as Chaliapin's and Rachmaninoff's is all the more surprising in light of the exceptionally strong will and vivid, unique personality each of them possessed. A born actor and a fascinating human being, Chaliapin was the center of attention in any company. Rachmaninoff, on the other hand, was reserved and taciturn outside his intimate circle, shying away from correspondents, and even from new acquaintances. But in Chaliapin's presence he became a listener, delighting in the former's flow of stories and humor" [source].

While it's not terribly unusual for EIIs to be "reserved and taciturn outside his intimate circle," EIIs do not delight in letting others take over the ethical (emotional) niches for them. Here is another typical remark about Rachmaninoff:

"... Rachmaninov's lifelong outward stoicism, the icy demeanor he always exhibited when performing" [source].

Numerous sources indicate that he never had problems speaking his mind and would not soften his remarks or demeanor to be more "pleasing" as ethical types tend to do (especially EII and IEE). Here's an anecdote about his relationship with the conservatory conductor:

"But Safonov had a hard time with Rachmaninoff. This student not only refused categorically to accept alterations, but also had the audacity to stop Safonov (as conductor), pointing out his errors in tempi and nuance" [source].

Despite the deep emotional qualities that his music had in addition to its technical and harmonic complexity, he didn't seem to project ethics in his everyday life. He was calm, cold (without being mean), ironic and seemed to warm up only in the company of close friends. He lacked, for example, the moralistic qualities and interpersonal sensitivity of Abraham Lincoln (or other famous EIIs), who was very sensitive to human suffering, moral duties, and questions of right and wrong.

Regarding your comment, "Although this is just my own subjective impression, it seems that his music was often focused on portraying the emotions related to personal relationships", Rachmaninoff's music has always made me reflect on very personal existential feelings, so this impression might be subjective.