Prelude in E-flat minor (Rachmaninoff)
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The Prelude in E♭ minor, Op. 23 No. 9 is a 1903 composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff.[1] 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♭ (measure 5); C♭ (measure 6); A♭ minor (measure 7); and B♭ (measure 9). The primary melody returns at measure 11.
- Measures 5 and 6
- 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.
- Measures 22 and 23
The theme occurs again, and then at measure 34, a completely new theme appears in the soprano.
- Measures 34 and 35
A series of descending chromatic sequences begins, and the work draws to a close in measure 50.
- Measures 50 and 51
