Prelude in D minor (Rachmaninoff)

Deceptively minuet-like, the Prelude soon transcends its apparent form.

The Prelude in D Minor, Op. 23 No. 3 is a composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff completed and premiered in 1903.^[1]^[2]

Structure

The prelude is strictly ternary. In measure 8 (part of the "A" section), a parallel period with a semi-cadence is introduced, and in measure 16 a perfect authentic cadence follows. Reference to the "A" section cadence at measure 17:

Measure 17

Following the reference, measures 1 and 2 are embellished to form the "B" section. Measures 42-62 mark a return to the "A" section, followed by relatively short coda that reflects the main theme.

Measures 3, 11, 35, show the chord progressions, i-III. In measure 11, the III chord is changed to an F-sharp dim. seventh chord, in measure 35, the i and III chords are presented more closely, and in meausere 47 the III chord is replaced with a D minor seventh chord.

Measure 3

Measure 11

Measure 35

Measure 47

Many contrapuntal passages appear throughout the prelude: diminution at measure 28, augmentation at measure 75, stretto at measure 25, and fragmentation at measure 67.

Measure 25

References

↑ Norris, Geoffrey, Rachmaninoff, Schirmer Books, 1993 (pg. 170).
↑ Id.

External links

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Miscellaneous (lost, unpublished, others)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

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