Trying to understand the composer's mindset (what does the piece mean?)

[jbmajor]

Some pieces are a cut above the rest, (I'm sure all of you will agree) in that they project a very moving, powerful sounding theme to the listener.  Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, etc all had noteworthy examples of masterpieces which demonstrated their ability to stir up one's imagination, intriguing the listener perhaps to the point of trying to make a connection with their mindset for writing a piece. 
One piece in particular that I for one am trying to understand is Rachmaninoff's op. 32 no. 10 prelude in B minor.  It is definitely one of his best, and gives me chills if it's played well (Idil Biret has a good recording of it).  I'm trying to understand or at least make an attempt at understanding what it could be about.....what was Rach thinking or going through when writing it, if anything significant at all....although I'm sure a piece like that isn't one a composer would just rattle off as little more than an afterthought.  There has to be some meaning behind it, the true meaning of which all of us may never know... but I think that is the greatest attribute classical/instrumental music has, is that nothing is obvious, as it is in lyrical music.  The listener has to think about the music, and for that reason alone even, it can be appreciated that much more.

[allthumbs]

Greetings

Rachmaninoff's Op.32, No.10, Prelude in B minor is also one of my favorites as well. I have an EMI 2CD set of all the 24 preludes by British pianist Peter Donohoe.

These recordings are just brilliant, as is Donohoe's interpretation of the preludes. If you get a chance to listen to this set, do, as you won't be disappointed.

I play Op.3, No.2, Op.23, No.1, Op.23, and No.4. I'm going to work on Op.23, No.5 and the Op.23, No.10 as well as the one you've mentioned... eventually.


Good luck with the piece.


Cheers

allthumbs