Choosing another rach prelude

[gruffalo]

Hi, i need to choose 2 rach preludes. i have chosen 1 so far (op32no.5). Seeing as this is a slow and beautiful one, i was hoping to find a more contrasting one (fast and not so beautiful  ). Is it necessary to choose one from the op23, seeing as i have chosen one from op32? im looking for the more short works, so nothing over 4 or 5 minutes. can anyone help me here?

my recent rep:

Liszt -  Jeux d'eau a la villa d'Este

Debusy: Images - Reflet dans l'eau
              Estampes- Jardin sous la pluie
              Etude - Pour les cinq doits
Chopin Etudes 25/1 and 10/7

My suggested repetoire for the near future is:

Ravel - Ondine

Bach Concerto in Dminor 1st mvt

Liszt - St Francois de Paule from Deux Legendes

I hope this gives you an idea of what i could do from Rach preludes. My teacher has only given a time limit (ie. learning short pieces, because i am learning on my own for a month or two), but he seems to think that none of them should be problem, technically, but i dont want a mammoth of a piece because i have to get this and lots of other rep ready for auditions in november.

Thanks for reading,

Gruff

[Motrax]

I've always thought 32-12 to be a great pairing with 32-5. And no, you're not obligated to play one from Op. 23 to contrast with one from Op. 32 (although you're certainly welcome to!). 32-12 is also not terribly difficult - you can certainly have it learned nicely in the space of a month, judging by your other repertoire.

Here're two other good ones that I think would contrast well with 32-5:

23-9 - If you don't have great double note technique, stay away from this. But it IS a good contrasting piece, in my humblest of opinions .
32-8 - This one is would be a good contrast too. I'm not sure how pianistic it is, as I haven't played it myself, but it doesn't sound especially difficult.

However, I really think you should choose an etude to go with 32-5. I really can't find any difference between Rachmaninoff's etudes and preludes, as in both sets most pieces focus on some certain musical facet or technique. 39-3 is a very exciting piece, which I think would go well with 32-5. 39-8 is also very good, but it is quite a bit more difficult than it sounds or looks on paper. 33-4 is good, but I find it very difficult to play well (the notes aren't difficult to learn, but I've never been satisfied with my own playing of the piece in terms of phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and anything that really matters in music  ).

Hope this helped!

 

- M

[kriskicksass]

E minor (Opus 32 No. 4) is a dazzling little toccata that contrasts 32/5 nicely not only in character but also as it is in the related minor. Be sure to eat your Wheaties before tackling this one, though; like all Rachmaninoff, it's tough as ***.

[nanabush]

Haha true dat  it sounds awesom, until you realize its all double notes in the left hand.... the climax is soo intense though... this is probly one of the hardest preludes, it's long too..

[gruffalo]

thanks for all the replies. i think i will go for the 32/8, because its short, contrasting and i have always loved this piece slightly more than the others.

Gruff

[astroboy]

oooo do 23/2! It's awsome. you can really cut sick in it, and theres a beautiful middle section.. and noone really plays it either.

[gruffalo]

dont know if i could learn it quick enough. i think i am capable of learning it, but i have to get my rep done for auditions in November. i only have 2 pieces so far, which adds up to 9 minutes.

Gruff

[Motrax]

Yeah, 23-2 is a handful. 32-8 is a great choice... good luck with it!



- M