Preludes Rachmaninoff: history, video, content, interesting facts, listen

Preludes Rachmaninov

Sergey Vasilyevich Rakhmaninov was famous not only for his ability to compose excellent classical compositions, but also for his masterly possession of the piano. So, piano music takes a significant part of his work. A separate outstanding musical layer can be called the preludes for piano. On this page you can learn the history of the creation of many famous works, listen to the compositions, as well as get acquainted with the content and read interesting facts.

History of creation

One of the most famous preludes in C sharp minor was written by the composer in 1892, two years after the composition of the grand First Concerto for Piano. She was part of the "Fantasy Plays" series, designated as op.3. The composer writes about how the composition was created:

"One day, the prelude just came by itself, and I wrote it down. She appeared with such force that I could not get rid of her, despite all my efforts."

For the first time on a large stage composition was heard in 1892, and immediately won the hearts and minds of the audience. Even after a huge number of years, when Rachmaninov and his family moved to the United States of America, the prelude did not lose its relevance and popularity. Each interview that journalists took from Rakhmaninov was accompanied by a question related to the prelude in C sharp minor. Once, tired of the constant interrogations, Rakhmaninov replied that he had simply composed the music, and one should not look for a program idea in it.

Op. 23 is created as well as op.3 two years after the composition of the Second Piano Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. That is why many note the extreme similarity of thematism and intonational proximity. First performed in 1903, and was well received by the public.

The need to create op. 32 is associated with the renewal of the Rachmaninoff piano repertoire. So, by 1910, 13 preludes were composed, which create a complete cycle of 24 compositions with other preludes. Work on the works was quite long, the process of writing was difficult for Rachmaninov. But the premiere was brilliant, all the listeners once again were able to appreciate the versatility and perfection of Rachmanin's pianism.

Interesting Facts

• Surprisingly, Rachmaninoff admitted that it is difficult for him to compose miniature works. In his own letters to Morozov, he wrote that it was precisely the work on miniatures that was always very hard.
• The hands of the composer could easily cover the complex interval of the fifth through the octave. This interval can easily be found in preludes and concerts. Pianists who do not have such good natural data have to divide a chord or an interval into two hands, which is not always convenient.
• The composer loved silence, so when playing piano miniatures or variations with insufficient silence or excessive noise, the great composer could stop playing a continuation of a new composition. He spoke to the audience, either you will cough or I will play.
• Together with the prelude cis-moll, the two opuses 23 and 32 form a complete cycle of 24 preludes in all major and minor keys. The arrangement of compositions in this cycle is arbitrary and does not have a clear systematic approach, as can be observed in the works of Bach or Chopin.
• The performance of the composer, which was marked by the presentation of the pre-sharp prelude, instantly made him famous.

Content

Prelude op.3 No. 2 (in C Sharp Minor)

The most popular work among piano miniatures. The work relates to the composer's early work, but already combines the characteristics characteristic of the style:

• Saturation and colorful sound;
• Latitude of the register range;
• Piercing "bell tower";
• Sophisticated dynamic development;
• Monumental climax.

The rhythmic movement is uneven, which gives anxiety and tension. The choice of tonality is not accidental. The languid C sharp minor creates a special coloristic atmosphere. Despite the relatively tiny size of the work makes an indelible impression. The deepest longing and all-consuming lyrics distinguish and distinguish the prelude from the cycle "Fantasy Plays". The writing became popular quickly enough. Today it is one of the most frequently played compositions among famous pianists around the world.

Prelude op.3 No. 2 - listen

Piano preludes cycle op.23

10 preludes - 10 masterpieces of piano music. The cycle does not have a complete modal-tonal structure; nevertheless, it is possible to trace the pattern associated with the alternation of minor and major plays. This technique allows you to create a common form that unites the system. Inner unity is emphasized by the constant change of genres, characters and moods of music.

An unusually thoughtful and coloristically dark F-Sharp minor prelude opens the cycle. The theme has clearly expressed similarities with the lingering Russian song. The wave-like melody has a climax and a recession. One melodic structure smoothly flows into another, all borders are not clear, slightly blurred, covered with a hazy mist. Development and stimulus are given by mournful intonations that color the melody in gloomy-tragic tones.

The fourth prelude, written in the solar key of D major, performs a magical and mysterious performance. The hidden genre of the composition is Barcarolle (a folk song from Italy, known as a work often sung by boatmen in Venice). Rocking accompaniment rhythm, textured volume, a wide coverage of space. Aesthetic image - this is the waves that rock the boat. The theme seems to hover over the accompaniment, creating a feeling of lightness and ease. Gradually, the movement increases and leads the listener to a dynamic climax. The topic rushes up sharply to the top, and then slowly sinks. The original musical material re-sounds.

The sad and mournful character is of the G minor prelude No. 5. The state of mind revealed in the work is purely lyrical in nature. Militant beauty, will power of a person - all this is reflected in this foreplay.

The prelude Es-dur No. 6, one of the most expressive works of the cycle, has a special charm and clarity. It is this work that is often compared with the inspired side song of the Second Piano Concerto. Smooth progressive movement, long melody floating above the accompaniment create a feeling of lightness and calmness. Gradually, the space expands, the melodic voice and bass wave-like reach new musical edges, increasing the overall range. A clear and bright climax is accompanied by the continuity of musical development. The second part of the composition gradually softens the tension of the first, gradually everything subsides and dissolves in the boundless ocean of beautiful music.

When creating compositions included in this cycle, the composer used a variety of techniques of textural and melodic presentation, allowing to express the widest range of feelings and emotions from sadness and grief to feeling of flight and joy.

Cycle of piano preludes op. 32

The cycle consists of thirteen diverse compositions in terms of mood and structure. Along with op. 33 and 36 personifies the compositional flowering in piano works. Cyclic composition is internally complete. Compared with opus 23, not lyrical hues prevail in the structure, but more manly and epic ones.

Prelude in G Major No. 5 refers to that small number of lyrical compositions in a cycle. Evolution in style is noticeable, new means of expressiveness appear, including clearly pronounced textured graphicity. Harmony becomes clearer and more transparent. The composer places the main emphasis on the cold melody, which is set against the background of quintoles. Slowly it dissolves in the figure. The general mood resembles a pastoral sketch. Charming foggy distance.

An interesting prelude number 4 is based on a duet way of presenting musical thought. Two topics seem to communicate with each other. Declamational and recitative prevail in the structure of topics. The material has the desire to repeat many times, which gradually rooted the main musical thought of the work.

As an increasing hum of a storm, you can define the prelude in A minor. The theme consists of three persistently repeated sounds that are set out in different registers. Constantly changing dynamics keeps you in tension, then allows you to relax and dissolve in the sounding silence.

Prelude gis-moll №12 is a most popular work from the cycle, included in the repertoire of many pianists of the world. The music is filled with lyrics characteristic of Rachmaninov’s work. The serenity, the atmosphere of calm and detachment in this work are painted mostly sad colors. Melody appears immediately from the top, which adds drama and anxiety. Gradually, the drama only intensifies. At the climax, music sounds the most powerful and honest. Tension is enhanced by continuous movement, which gradually subsides and dissolves.

An example of the tragic and epic is the prelude e-moll. Rebellious, impulsive music is inextricably linked with a feeling of deep anxiety. Twisted passages are combined with a bell sound. The struggle unfolds, harsh and merciless. The topic is a statement of the will, which is able to break what is happening.

The cycle of thirteen preludes is an encyclopedia of Rachmaninoff's expressive means in the heyday of his work. Each prelude hears the attention of the listener, since each work is a small world.

The use of music in the cinema

Rachmaninov’s music has an extraordinary effect on the listener. Many musicologists compare it with the immense ocean, the waves of which creep up at first imperceptibly, but then grow and acquire power and strength. Monumentality of music covers with head. Perhaps it is because of this effect that many directors use music in the movies.

Sergey Vasilyevich Rakhmaninov, undoubtedly, is a master in creating piano miniatures. Preludes, expressing both objective and purely subjective images, are firmly established in the golden fund of not only Russian classical, but also world music.