Prelude in G-flat major (Rachmaninoff)

      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.

      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:

      Rach 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:

      Rach op 23 No. 10 m18-20.jpg
      Measures 18-20

      Rach op 23 No. 10 m23-25.jpg
      Measures 23-25

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

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

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

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      Recordings

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      References

      1. ^ Norris, Geoffrey, Rachmaninoff, Schirmer Books, 1993 (pg. 170).
      2. ^ Id.
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      Last modified on 9 April 2012, at 11:01