Rachmaninoff Path of Pianism.

[qpalqpal]

Is it a norm to learn from a single composer as a "mission"? I am starting the C# minor Prelude of Rachmaninoff. Is there a continuous line of repertoire that could be attained starting with this, but starting with a struggle? I want to really dig with Rach with Repertoire!

[gerryjay]

Dear Pal,
If I did understand your idea, you want to play Rachmaninoff until you spew your guts (sorry, could not resist ). Although my initial impulse would be to remove you from that idea, the challenge of creating a Rach path is amazing. I'm in!

That said, I will start with general levels:
1. Morceaux de salon opus 10 and Moment musicaux opus 16. Nothing complex, nothing demanding, but already with some rach flavor of language and piano approach (opus 16 number 3 would be my pick out of that).

2. The easiest Preludes opus 23 and opus 32, and Morceaux de Fantasie opus 03. Here the real challenge begins. There is a wide range of problems, so it is very much about every individual pianist. Nevertheless, opus 32 nn. 5 and 12 are favorites, as well as the Prelude opus 3 n. 2 (the one you are playing, right?).

3. The hardest preludes, and the Etudes-tableaux opus 33 and opus 39. Real challenges. The kind of stuff you take much time to play well, although the etudes I played never reached something I can call cool. So, as far as Rach is considered, I'm on this level.

4. Sonata opus 36, Variations opus 42. The kind of work that many people is afraid of. To me, it is not an interesting challenge, because I dislike the music. But it is probably just me: everybody else seems to love these.

5. Concerti. I have no idea about how hard the concerti really are, but I assume the word "nightmare" is an useful descripition.

Of course, his output have many other things, and I think every level may be break into more detailed stages, but my experience with his music is limited to this.

I hope it may help a bit. Best regards,
Jay.

[qpalqpal]

Is there any repertoire my level that I could do before Rachmaninoff to prepare. Anything similar or more ancient than him?

[lostinidlewonder]

It might be helpful for you to research into the Russian composers that are out there. Some that are not written too difficulty:

A.Scriabin, S.Maykapar, A.Goedicke, H.Pachulsky, R.Gliere, A.Arensky.

[gerryjay]

It might be helpful for you to research into the Russian composers that are out there. Some that are not written too difficulty:

A.Scriabin, S.Maykapar, A.Goedicke, H.Pachulsky, R.Gliere, A.Arensky,

Scriabin is a very good call: he wrote lots of miniature works that cover many facets of late 19th and early 20th century music.

[lostinidlewonder]

Yes, I also found I learned a lot about syncopation techniques that the Russian's like to use through Scriabin, also those huge chords and emotional climaxes! The fact that Scriabin wrote so many short pieces makes them excellent to study because they are nice bite sized pieces with a lot of information.

[gerryjay]

Yes, I also found I learned a lot about syncopation techniques that the Russian's like to use through Scriabin, also those huge chords and emotional climaxes! The fact that Scriabin wrote so many short pieces makes them excellent to study because they are nice bite sized pieces with a lot of information.

Indeed. And that output of little works is an amazing source of material for recitals. There is so much contrast, and moods, that you can create many different emotional paths.

Or, to remember a recital I did attend, just to pick a single prelude to play before Brahms' Third sonata. Quite cool!

Best regards,
Jay.