Rachmaninov - Variation 18 (from Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini).
The original piece was composed by Sergej Rachmaninov (1922) for piano and orchestra.

Rachmaninov - Variation 18 (from Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini).
The original piece was composed by Sergej Rachmaninov (1922) for piano and orchestra.

A wonderful arrangement, serving as an introduction to this beautiful Rachmaninoff work, for piano solo. Suitable for the intermediate (approximately ABRSM grade 3/4) pianist.

Rachmaninov's beautiful, lyrical piano Prelude perfectly lends itself to Violin, Cello & Piano. Ideal interlude in a concert programme.
Originally from Glasgow, Timothy studied at the Royal College of Music, London and the Banff Centre, Canada. He was the Pianist for the Isis Piano Trio and Ballet Creations and is now in demand as an accompanist and chamber musician having performed with artists such as Dame Sarah Connolly and Tasmin Little. He has toured widely internationally and has recorded for BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM as well as TV appearances in Russia and Egypt. Murray?s compositions have been recorded by The Fibbonnaci Sequence and Piers Lane among others with reviews such as ?Corruscating? (Independent) and ?Highly imaginative? (The Sunday Times).

Contact; tkmurraycomp@aol.com

ProgramNotes

Sergei Rachmaninoff?s Alla Marciain g Minor is arguably one of his most popular pieces that is still playedtoday. This prelude was included asnumber 5 in his Opus 23, a set of ten preludes for solo piano. Rachmaninoff himself premiered this preludein Moscow in 1903, along with Preludes 1 and 2 from this set. It begins with quiet yet decisive sixteenthnote figures setting the mood for a minor march. Following this, the relative major Eb comesin full force expanding this sixteenth note figure with a descant-like melody. After a return to g minor, the energy of theopening march dissipates as a new lyrical melody takes the forefront,accompanied by sweeping arpeggios. Thissection is much melancholier than before. As this theme fades, the march returns slowly out of the mist that theprevious section created. It builds tothe return of the Eb major section that leads into a continuation of the marchtheme. This fades into a quick risingfigure to finish the prelude. Thisarrangement captures both the energy of the march and the beauty of the lyricalmiddle section.



Instrumentation

2 Flutes

2 Oboes

2 Clarinets (B flat)

2 Bassoons

4 Horns (F)

3 Trumpets (B flat)

2 Trombones

1 Bass Trombone

1 Tuba

Timpani

Snare Drum

Tambourine

Harp (substitute piano ifnecessary)

Violins I and II

Viola

Violincello

Double Bass

From the album Canto Per Mio Padre, a solo piano transcription of Sergei Rachmaninoff's beautiful third movement from his Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor, Op. 19.

Adagio from Symphony No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Arranged by Seunghee Lee for Clarinet and Piano (A & Bb parts included), 20th Century, Romantic Period. Cover Page, Score (3 pages), Clarinet in A (1 page). Clarinet in Bb (1 page). Published by Musica Solis.

An advanced piano solo arrangement of the 18th variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff.

Originally published in 1915 as the last of his 14 Songs or 14 Romances, Op. 34, Rachmaninoff wrote this beautiful piece for high voice with piano accompaniment. It is presented here as an instrumental duet with piano accompaniment and is a firm favourite to play at any performance, from weddings to recitals to parties and beyond!

This piece can either be played with a live pianist, or can be played along with the free backing track which is available from https://youtu.be/Ibpu_TH-D5g (copy and paste into a new window) and also in the video screen above.

Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Variation 18) arranged for intermediate piano.