Piano Forum

Piano Street Magazine:
Argerich-Alink’s Piano Competitions Directory – 2025 Edition
In today’s crowded music competition landscape, it’s challenging for young musicians to discern which opportunities are truly worthwhile. The new 2025 edition of the Argerich-Alink Foundation’s comprehensive guide to piano competitions, provides valuable insights and inspiration for those competing or aspiring to compete, but also for anyone who just wants an updated overview of the global piano landscape. Read more
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Topic: 3 against 5 in Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5  (Read 5036 times)

Offline thompson_321

  • PS Silver Member
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 114
3 against 5 in Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5
on: February 25, 2011, 09:40:49 AM
I am learning Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5. I know there is some sort of word-phrase for certain rhythms. I just wondered if there is any for the 3 against 5 rhythm between the LH and RH? Or any other way? Many thanks
Logged
Sign up for a Piano Street membership to download this piano score.
Sign up for FREE! >>

Offline mfwettlaufer

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: 3 against 5 in Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5
Reply #1 on: April 03, 2018, 02:50:33 AM
Hi, did anyone respond to your question about the polyrhythm--3 against 5?  I was wondering about the measures that come after the 3 against 5 portions--they seem very difficult to work out.
Logged

Offline brogers70

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 1813
Re: 3 against 5 in Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5
Reply #2 on: April 03, 2018, 10:39:01 AM
I learned 3 against 5 the way lots of folks tell you NOT to learn a polyrhythm. I broke a beat into 15 parts and calculated on which of those 15ths the LH or RH would be tapping, and did it very slowly. Then I sped up gradually, and after a while I started to feel the different rhythms in the different hands as two separate things, rather than as part of a complex mathematical pattern. It took me a few days of tapping to get it properly into my brain. Then, I hadn't used it for several years, and tried again when I read your post, and it came right back, so I think once it gets engraved in your brain it stays there.
Logged

Offline louispodesta

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1077
Re: 3 against 5 in Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5
Reply #3 on: April 24, 2018, 10:58:51 PM
Quote from: thompson_321 on February 25, 2011, 09:40:49 AM
I am learning Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5. I know there is some sort of word-phrase for certain rhythms. I just wondered if there is any for the 3 against 5 rhythm between the LH and RH? Or any other way? Many thanks
Thank God someone has finally addressed my earlier post of many years ago.  Back then, it involved (and still does) measures #1 - 6 of the first movement "Poco meno mosso" section of the Rachmaninoff 2nd Piano Concerto.

The way I do it is:  two notes (LH) and then one note (RH) and the same again.  Then, I land on the beat and begin again.

Other polyrhythms such as two against three (or three against four) can be effectuated in a formulaic way.  This cannot, as well as the two against five of the Prokofiev 1st Concerto (first movement).

Additionally, I would appreciate a "Visitor" comment because there are thousands of pianists who play this piece.
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
For more information about this topic, click search below!

Piano Street Magazine:
Piano Competitions Flourish in 2025 – A Unique Clash
The year 2025 promises to be an exciting one for the piano world, with the top three prestigious piano competitions taking center stage worldwide. With Chopin, taking place each five years, Cliburn each four and Queen Elisabeth with varying intervals of 3-5 years, this unique clash occurs for the first time ever. Read more
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert
Customer Reviews