Prelude in E-flat minor (Rachmaninoff)
Introduction Complex chromatic sequences must be played ''presto. ''The '''Prelude in E-Flat Minor, Op. 23 No. 9''' is a 1903 composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff. 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 11.300pxMeasures 5 and 6300pxMeasure 7300pxMeasure 9In 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 23.300pxMeasures 22 and 23The theme occurs again, and then at measure 34, a completely new theme appears in the soprano.300pxMeasures 34 and 35A series of descending chromatic sequences begins, and the work draws to a close in measure 50.200pxMeasures 50 and 51
Recordings
References
External links * Vladimir Ashkenazy plays Rachmaninoff Prelude Op.23 No.9 in E flat minor at YouTube