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