The Prelude in E-Flat Minor, Op. 23 No. 9 is a 1903 composition by

Sergei Rachmaninoff Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff; in Russian pre-revolutionary script. (28 March 1943) was a Russian composer, virtuoso pianist, and conductor. Rachmaninoff is widely considered one of the finest pianists of his day and, as a composer, one o ...

. It is part of Rachmaninoff's Ten Preludes, Op. 23, and is one of the most difficult of the set.

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. Rachmaninoff op 23 No

Measures 5 and 6 Rachmaninoff op 23 No

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 reiteration of A occurs at measure 23. Rachmaninoff op 23 No

Measures 22 and 23 The theme occurs again, and then at measure 34, a completely new theme appears in the soprano. Rachmaninoff op 23 No

Measures 34 and 35 A series of descending chromatic sequences begins, and the work draws to a close in measure 50. Rachmaninoff op 23 No

Measures 50 and 51

Recordings

References

External links

Vladimir Ashkenazy plays Rachmaninoff Prelude Op.23 No.9 in E flat minor
at YouTube {{Portalbar, Classical Music Preludes by Sergei Rachmaninoff Compositions in E-flat minor