Prelude in E-flat minor (Rachmaninoff)

Complex chromatic sequences must be played presto.

The Prelude in E-Flat Minor, Op. 23 No. 9 is a 1903 composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff.^[1]^[2] It is part of Rachmaninoff's Ten Preludes, Op. 23.

Structure

A double note theme is announced in measures 1-4. The piece then modulates rapidly from bar to bar, passing through: G flat (measure 5); C flat (measure 6); A flat minor (measure 7); and B flat (measure 9). The primary melody returns at measure 11.

Measures 5 and 6

Measure 7

Measure 9

In measures 5-10 a number of thirds, sixths, seconds, and fourths make up the right hand melody. The left hand is an arpeggiated figure sporadically interrupted with minor seconds.

A reitiration of A occurs at measure 23.

Measures 22 and 23

The theme occurs again, and then at measure 34, a completely new theme appears in the soprano.

Measures 34 and 35

A series of descending chromatic sequences begins, and the work draws to a close in measure 50.

Measures 50 and 51

References

↑ Norris, Geoffrey, Rachmaninoff, Schirmer Books, 1993 (pg. 170).
↑ Id.

External links

Solo piano works by Sergei Rachmaninoff

Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3 (includes Prelude in C-sharp minor) Morceaux de salon, Op. 10 Six moments musicaux, Op. 16 Variations on a Theme of Chopin, Op. 22 10 Preludes, Op. 23 Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 28 13 Preludes, Op. 32 Études-Tableaux, Op. 33 Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 36 Études-Tableaux, Op. 39 Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42 Polka de W.R.

Miscellaneous (lost, unpublished, others)

List of compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoff

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