Bach/Rachmaninov

[henrah]

How would one go about composing a solo piano prelude that would include the styles of Bach and Rachmaninov? I mean, how could one mix the two styles successfully?

Any and all help is appreciated,
Henrah

[franz_]

Not so difficult. Rachmaninoff used a lot of polyphony.

[henrah]

So polyphony is a trait that's quite obvious to both Bach and Rachmaninov? Are there any more traits? I mean, I'd like to get quite a distinct comparison between the two styles whilst still maintaining it in one piece. And I can't simply do an ABA of purely Rach-Bach-Rach, they have to be intertwined.

[steve jones]

You might want to check out the Rach Fugetta.

SJ

[mikey6]

Rach transcribed a few of Bach's solo violin works - you could check dem out too.
Traits of both their musical language are advanced harmony, i'm not sure how you could apply that though.

[henrah]

Ok thanks for the help guys.
Henrah

[steve jones]

If I had this task, I would probably try to write a piece with a high level of polyphony in the style of Bach. But Id also try to incorporate some of the heavily chromatic and extended harmony of Rach.

Or maybe you could do a Bach style progression (like on of the chorals) and give it a big Rach style piano transcription?

SJ

[henrah]

Could you describe this Bach style progression please Steve?
Thanks,
Henrah

[thierry13]

Or maybe you could do a Bach style progression (like on of the chorals) and give it a big Rach style piano transcription?

That is what I think would be the best ! Take a Bach piece, take same chords, melodies, but do them in the way of rach ! Huge full notes chords in both hands, banging their way all over the keyboard(in an artistic way, of course).

[henrah]

Ok thanks thierry!
Henrah