This week I return to the field of Classical music, but with a little twist. In previous chapters of Great Music I have covered some of Rachmaninoff’s music, namely his Prelude in C#m and the infamous 3rd Piano Concerto. Thus I previously covered many elements of his life. While Rachmaninoff was born and raised in Russia and was a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory of Music, the later portion of his life was spent in America.
Rachmaninoff was a brilliant pianist whose large hands enabled him to compose and play some of the most demanding music ever known. Unlike a lot of Russian composers, Rachmaninoff’s music exhibited many different emotions instead of just melancholy like many of his compatriots.
The twist in this music chapter is I am going to have TMV participate in the same kind of test I give to my piano students. I have my students listen to two compositions by Rachmaninoff, his Prelude in G major and his Prelude in G minor. I use the same pianist, Valentina Lisista, to control for phrasing and dynamics. I then ask them which they like best and why. This gives me great insight into what music to give them in the future so they maintain their excitement with the piano. This also provides some insight into the variety of emotions Rachmaninoff tried to capture in his music.
Listen to these two pieces and let me know in the comment section which one you like best.