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 - 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.

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

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

Originally for piano and orchestra, I have carefully arranged the beautiful romantic themes of this piece for solo piano. I have combined the orchestral textures with the piano solo to bring them together as a cohesive piece. There is no stretches greater than an octave, and the part is heavily reduced from the original-but the piece still falls into advanced intermediate as I have kept the passion (just less notes!) Each section could easily be used as a separate piece.
The full score is 11 pages and it is nearly10 minutes long- for full suitability on level of difficulty, the youtube link provide the full score- I wanted to give opportunities for pianists to play an easier version of this fabulous piece. I made the recording live on a digital piano, with technology to enhance.
Great for valentine's day, weddings, anniversaries, romantic events, it's a firm favourite with lots of people as the themes are so memorable- just fantastic to play.

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

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.

Originally for piano and orchestra and notably used in the film "Brief Encounter" I have carefully arranged the beautiful romantic themes of this piece for solo piano. I have combined the orchestral textures with the piano solo to bring them together as a cohesive piece. There is no stretches greater than an octave, and the part is heavily reduced from the original-but the piece still falls into advanced intermediate as I have kept the passion (just less notes!) Each section could easily be used as a separate piece.
The full score is 11 pages and it is nearly10 minutes long- for full suitability on level of difficulty, the youtube link provide the full score- I wanted to give opportunities for pianists to play an easier version of this fabulous piece. I made the recording live on a digital piano, with technology to enhance.
Great for valentine's day, weddings, anniversaries, romantic events, it's a firm favourite with lots of people as the themes are so memorable- just fantastic to play.