Prelude in D major (Rachmaninoff)
Introduction rightThe '''Prelude in D major, Op. 23 No. 4''' is a 1903 composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff. It is part of Rachmaninoff's Ten Preludes, Op. 23.
Structure The prelude is in ternary form. The theme of the main section is introduced in measure 3:200pxMeasure 3The theme is in the form of a period, composed of two symmetrical phrases, the consequent being a more embellished version of the antecedent, presenting a triplet descant in the treble voice above the main theme in the right-hand alto voice. The right-hand voices are offset against an eighth-note figure in the left-hand:200pxMeasure 19The middle section presents rhythmic changes and several modulations. Triplets appear in the accompaniment, and shorter phrasing is utilized:200pxMeasures 35 and 36The piece reaches its climax at measures 50–51, and immediately resolves back into the main section:300pxMeasures 50 and 51Here, the triplet flow returns to the left-hand bass line, while a high counterpoint is introduced in the main melody. Only the antecedent of the original phrase is recapitulated, lengthened by eight additional measures that provide closure.300pxMeasures 53 and 54
Recordings *  YouTube Live Recording Live by Willis Miller (2012).
References
External links *  Detailed 5-layer analysis (by Lance Bastian)