By
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff's Prelude Op. 3 No. 2 in C-sharp Minor is a seminal work that epitomizes the composer's early style and emotional depth, with its brooding melody and bell-like sonorities. This piece, part of a set of five preludes, remains one of his most popular, often serving as an exemplar of his mastery in crafting rich, expressive piano textures and the melancholic character that pervades his compositions.
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by:
Claire Huangci
In this lesson, American pianist Claire Huangci guides you through one of Rachmaninoff’s most popular piano works, his Prelude in C-sharp Minor, Op. 3, No. 2. <br><br>Huangci discusses this prelude section by section. When you practice the “sighing motif” of the A section, she advises you to imagine your fingers as needles, which will help you to bring out the motif’s top voice with a precise, vocal tone quality. Huangci invites you to view the B section as a “huge, two-page crescendo.” To avoid rushing through this section, she encourages you to sing along with the melody and embody the phrasing with subtle, rhythmic body language. <br><br>To conquer the bridge section, you will learn to practice the descending chordal gesture in fragments, first playing six notes, then twelve, then eighteen, etc. When you practice the prelude’s climax, Huangci dissuades you from interpreting the score too literally. If you try to play “fortissississimo,” you will risk creating a harsh, banging sound. To help you to avoid this pitfall, Huangci will demonstrate how to create drama through body language and rubato.
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