Opinion on Bach/Rachmaninoff Partita No. 3 Prelude

[cometear]

Hi I recently heard a violinist play Bach's Violin Partita No. 3 and the Prelude really caught my attention. I actually considered making my own arrangement until I found Rachmaninoff's arrangement of it. What is the technical difficulty of it? I really only intend to play it for fun since I find performing arrangements annoying (don't ask me why, it's just something that bothers me). I do not want to make it a primary focus but I really would like to learn it. Could you tell me some technical challenges of it? Thanks I appreciate it!

[j_menz]

Rachmaninoff's arrangement of it. ..... Could you tell me some technical challenges of it?

It's by Rachmaninoff.

You probably should have played something (a few things) by him first, and also by Bach himself.

[rovikered]

None of Rachmaninoff's compositions and transcriptions is easy.
However, this one of the Bach Partita Prelude is less difficult than some. Nevertheless, it requires a confident keyboard facility in cross hands playing with much of it having the hands very close together. A nimble finger technique is also required though the tempo is not VERY fast. Judicious use of the sustaining pedal is necessary too. Good sight-reading ability will facilitate learning.
A pianist of the level of ABRSM Grade 8 should be capable of playing it and achieving a performance standard. Someone with less than that level of technical competence will find it a struggle.
rk

[cometear]

It's by Rachmaninoff.

You probably should have played something (a few things) by him first, and also by Bach himself.

It's arranged by Rachmaninoff.

[j_menz]

It's arranged by Rachmaninoff.

Yes, I hadn't intended to suggest otherwise.

[cometear]

Yes, I hadn't intended to suggest otherwise.

What were you suggesting than?

[j_menz]

What were you suggesting than?

Rachmaninoff did the transcription. He tends to write such thing with himself in mind as the pianist.