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The Prelude explodes out of the gate with a rolling ostinato for the left hand. The Prelude in B-Flat Major, Op. 23 No. 2 is a composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff completed and premiered in 1903.[1][2] Contents 1 Structure 2 Analysis 3 Performance notes 4 Notable recordings and performances 5 References 6 External links // Structure This brilliant virtuoso piece is rhythmically complex, contrasting thunderous left-hand ostinato against a jagged right hand melodic line. As in Chopin's Revolutionary Etude, the performer must possess considerable left-hand endurance to maintain a consistent legato throughout the piece. The structural form of the piece is ternary, roughly "ABA" with a coda. The main "idea" of the composition appears in measure 3: Measure 3 Here, the left-hand ostinato continues unimpeded as the treble line, accented and marked sempre marcato and fortissimo makes a regal entrance. By measure 20, the kernel of measure 3 is varied drastically, into a transcendent sequence that introduces an inner voice and offsets the main theme. Measure 20 In measures 28-37, the Prelude transitions back to the main theme in a mini-encaptulation of classic first rondo form. The quasi-rondo section forecasts the return of the A section, which is in fact restated in measure 30, albeit disguised in a different key and form. Measure 30 With the exception of measure 52, measures 38-54 are an exact repetition of the main theme. Measure 52 is pure Rachmaninoff: a vertigo inducing cluster no doubt inspired by the composer's stupendous chord-playing technique. Measure 52 Analysis Much of the prelude is of a traditional harmonic nature. The modulation from B flat to D minor that occurs between measures 6 and 7 (and reappears at measures 14-15, 20-21, 41-42, and 49-50) is strongly characteristic of Rachmaninoff's music. In measure 7, Rachmaninoff reinforces the main theme by moving up a third to the dominant chord. The overall impression of the upward movement is a sense of elevation and grandiosity. Measure 7 Much of the piece's structure is quite solid. For instance, in measures 21-27, a series of transient modulations occur around the circle of fifths. Brilliantly, these modulations transition into a much less structured series of embellishments (the right hand embellishes the left hand harmonic pattern with minor-second sequences) starting at measure 28. Measure 28 This kind chromatic embellishment appears frequently in Rachmaninoff's later work, and is perhaps the composer's first use of this technique. Texturally, the Prelude is homophonic. The main theme is perhaps a bit richer than the B section, where right and left hand acoompaniments continue to outline chords around the second theme. Slight variation, one of Rachmaninoff's hallmark compositional techniques, is employed throughout the prelude. For example, in measure 4, an intensification is created by very subtly changing the rhythm at the end of the phrase. Unusual rhythmic variation along the same lines is evident in measure 22: Measure 22 . Performance notes The performance problems of the B-flat major prelude are many. Success demands that the performer have large, dextrous, and powerful hands. The left hand accompaniment requires unusual endurance, which must be maintained with perfect tempo and rhythm throughout the piece. Performance at slower tempi than the indicated marking of quarter note equals 80 will make the piece unlistenable. Measures 16 and 52 are very difficult, and, even if executed at the proper tempo, the rapid succession of chords invite disaster for all but the virtuoso pianist. In measures 18-27, the performer must be careful to make sure that the inner theme rises above the very active accompianment. Notable recordings and performances This section has no content. You can help Wikipedia by introducing information to it. (July 2010) References ^ Norris, Geoffrey, Rachmaninoff, Schirmer Books, 1993 (pg. 170). ^ Id. External links v • d • e Solo piano works by Sergei Rachmaninoff Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3 (includes Prelude in C sharp minor) · Morceaux de salon, Op. 10 · Six moments musicaux, Op. 16 · Variations on a Theme of Chopin, Op. 22 · 10 Preludes, Op. 23 · Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 28 · 13 Preludes, Op. 32 · Études-Tableaux, Op. 33 · Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 36 · Études-Tableaux, Op. 39 · Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42 · Polka de W.R. Miscellaneous (lost, unpublished, others) List of compositions by Sergei Rachmaninoff