Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Compose Date

:

1903

Average_duration

:

3:51

Sergey Rachmaninov's Prelude for piano No. 4 in D minor, Op. 23/3, is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1901. It was premiered by the composer himself on December 10, 1901, in Moscow. The Prelude is part of a set of 24 preludes that Rachmaninov composed between 1901 and 1903. The set is divided into two books, with the first book containing preludes 1-13 and the second book containing preludes 14-24. The preludes are all relatively short pieces, with most of them lasting between one and five minutes. The Prelude for piano No. 4 in D minor, Op. 23/3, is one of the most popular pieces in the set. It is a fast-paced and dramatic piece that showcases Rachmaninov's virtuosic piano writing. The piece is in ternary form, with a fast and intense outer section that surrounds a slower and more lyrical middle section. The piece begins with a series of rapid arpeggios that create a sense of urgency and tension. This leads into a series of fast and virtuosic runs that are punctuated by powerful chords. The middle section of the piece is more subdued, with a lyrical melody that is played over a gentle accompaniment. This section provides a moment of respite before the piece returns to its fast and intense opening material. Overall, the Prelude for piano No. 4 in D minor, Op. 23/3, is a powerful and dramatic piece that showcases Rachmaninov's virtuosic piano writing. Its fast-paced and intense opening material is balanced by a more lyrical middle section, creating a sense of tension and release throughout the piece.

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