Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff (Russian: Сергей Васильевич Рахманинов, Ser… Read Full Bio ↴Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninoff (Russian: Сергей Васильевич Рахманинов, Sergej Vasil'evič Rahmaninov, April 1, 1873 (N.S.) or March 20, 1873 (O.S.) – March 28, 1943) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor.
He was one of the greatest pianists of his generation, having legendary technical facilities and rhythmic drive. His large hands were able to cover the interval of a thirteenth on the keyboard (a hand span of approximately twelve inches). Many recordings were made by the Victor Talking Machine Company recording label of his performing his own music as well as works from the standard repertoire. He is often named as one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century.
His reputation as a composer, on the other hand, has varied considerably since his death. The 1954 edition of Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians notoriously dismissed his music as "monotonous in texture ... consist[ing] mainly of artificial and gushing tunes ..." and predicted that his popular success was "not likely to last". However his popularity among both musicians and audiences has if anything increased during the second half of the twentieth century, with some of his symphonies and other orchestral works, songs and choral music recognized as masterpieces alongside the more familiar piano works.
His compositions include, among others, four piano concerti, three symphonies, two piano sonatas, three operas, a choral symphony (The Bells, based on the poem by Edgar Allan Poe), the All-Night Vigil for unaccompanied choir (often known as Rachmaninoff's Vespers), the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, 24 Preludes (including the famous Prelude in C-sharp minor), 17 Études-tableaux, Symphonic Dances and many songs, of which the most famous is the wordless Vocalise. Most of his pieces are in a late Romantic style akin to Tchaikovsky, although strong influences of Chopin and Liszt are apparent. Further inspiration included the music of Balakirev, Mussorgsky, Medtner (whom he considered the greatest contemporary composer) and Henselt.
He was one of the greatest pianists of his generation, having legendary technical facilities and rhythmic drive. His large hands were able to cover the interval of a thirteenth on the keyboard (a hand span of approximately twelve inches). Many recordings were made by the Victor Talking Machine Company recording label of his performing his own music as well as works from the standard repertoire. He is often named as one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century.
His reputation as a composer, on the other hand, has varied considerably since his death. The 1954 edition of Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians notoriously dismissed his music as "monotonous in texture ... consist[ing] mainly of artificial and gushing tunes ..." and predicted that his popular success was "not likely to last". However his popularity among both musicians and audiences has if anything increased during the second half of the twentieth century, with some of his symphonies and other orchestral works, songs and choral music recognized as masterpieces alongside the more familiar piano works.
His compositions include, among others, four piano concerti, three symphonies, two piano sonatas, three operas, a choral symphony (The Bells, based on the poem by Edgar Allan Poe), the All-Night Vigil for unaccompanied choir (often known as Rachmaninoff's Vespers), the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, 24 Preludes (including the famous Prelude in C-sharp minor), 17 Études-tableaux, Symphonic Dances and many songs, of which the most famous is the wordless Vocalise. Most of his pieces are in a late Romantic style akin to Tchaikovsky, although strong influences of Chopin and Liszt are apparent. Further inspiration included the music of Balakirev, Mussorgsky, Medtner (whom he considered the greatest contemporary composer) and Henselt.
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Prelude In C Sharp Minor Op.3/2
Сергей Васильевич Рахманинов Lyrics
No lyrics text found for this track.
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
@thatoneguy2235
Guys, im at 1:36 i have alot to go 😭😭
Edit: I'm at 1:43 now 😬 still have plenty to go
2nd Edit: At 1:54 now, it's a bit tough but I won't give up.💪
March 11, 3rd Edit: Finally at 2:08😰
Now it's time to release terror😈
March 27, 4th Edit: I have officially completed this piece. It's tough for me but I've managed to learn the entire thing. FOR EVERYONE LEARNING THIS PIECE, YOU CAN DO IT!!! I BELIEVE!!
Update July 28, 2021: lol so uh, I forgot how to play it now bc I didn't practice for a full month😐(don't stop practicing, people)
@matthewjones255
Great playing and visualisation effects.
You may already be aware of this, but the D notes at 0:33 and 2:26 are quite famous.
In many publications they are written with accidentals as D natural (as you played), forming a E chord with dominant 7.
However, it is now believed they are meant to be played as D sharps (from the key signature) forming an E chord with major 7.
The D sharps are how Rachmaninov played it on audio recordings and pianola rolls.
The D naturals are probably an early editorial error that was copied into many later versions.
Anyway, this doesn’t detract from this performance, but I think it is good to know.
For what it’s worth, I personally prefer the D sharps because they give it an extra ‘bite’, but maybe because I’m used to hearing it that way.
@Rousseau
Sometimes it's hard to believe that Rachmaninoff was only 18 when he composed this piece. For those that don't know the story behind it: it is said that Rachmaninoff had a dream where he was at a funeral, and in the distance was a coffin. At 1:24 begins walking towards it, faster and faster. At 2:09 he opens it and... finds himself inside.
@anastasiaivankiv
Sounds like a great scene for a horror-thriller film
@nana6075
Beautiful💝
@junsimons
Well, Rachmaninov was an edgy guy I suppose.
@as8221
Rousseau I like that you play it with a faster tempo than most modern interpretations
@lyrae2469
What a genius 😩👌
@PointyTailofSatan
I'm happy to say after 2 weeks I finally have mastered the first three chords.
@Dylonely42
👏👏👏
@hi-qr9tm
Congrawts
@jkbeach2512
3??? That many?!!