Prelude in G-flat major (Rachmaninoff)

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Lush chords and a Largo tempo marking quietly bookend Op.23 Prelude Op. 23.10, Rachmaninoff.png
Lush chords and a Largo tempo marking quietly bookend Op.23

The Prelude in G-Flat Major, Op. 23 No. 10 is a 1903 composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff. [1] [2] It is part of Rachmaninoff's Ten Preludes, Op. 23.

Contents

Structure

It is written in conventional ternary form. The main theme in the left hand is accompanied by syncopated chords in the right hand; it begins at measure 2 and ends at measure 6. A parallel period follows from measures 6–11, ending on an imperfect cadence. In measures 11–18, a sequential period that is based on the rhythm of the main theme follows. Soprano and bass track each other in this section:

Rachmaninoff op 23 No. 10 m11-12.jpg
Measures 11 and 12

The "B" section, from measures 18–34, employs sequential fragments of the "A" section. Syncopated chords from the "A" section are elongated. Rising chromatic patterns are present in both the bass and treble. Consider measures 18–20 and 23–25:

Rachmaninoff op 23 No. 10 m18-20.jpg
Measures 18–20

Rachmaninoff op 23 No. 10 m23-25.jpg
Measures 23–25

Rachmaninoff op 23 No. 10 m35-36.jpg
Measures 35 and 36

Rachmaninoff op 23 No. 10 m49-50.jpg
Measures 49 and 50

Rachmaninoff op 23 No. 10 m15-16.jpg
Measures 15 and 16

Recordings

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References

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