3 against 5 in Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 no. 5

[thompson_321]

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

[mfwettlaufer]

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.

[brogers70]

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.

[louispodesta]

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.