Sergei Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C minor (), Op. 3, No. 2, is one of the composer's most famous compositions. Part of a set of five piano pieces entitled Morceaux de fantaisie ("Pieces of fantasy"), it is a 62-bar prelude in ternary (ABA) form. It is also known as The Bells of Moscow, since the introduction seems to reproduce the Kremlin's most solemn carillon chimes.
On 26 September 1892, the composer himself performed the work for the first time, at a festival called the Moscow Electrical Exhibition. After the première, a review of the concert singled out the Prelude, noting that it had "aroused enthusiasm". He called it his "Frankenstein" (alluding to a creation that got out of control).
Rachmaninoff recorded the piece electrically, on Welte-Mignon reproducing pianos, and on Ampico piano rolls.
The prelude has been arranged for orchestra in several versions. It has been used in many films, and many songs have sampled it. Several jazz adaptations have been written, including one for Paul Whiteman which Rachmaninoff himself admired.
See also
- Morceaux de fantaisie (Op. 3)
References
Bibliography
External links
- Free sheet music download
fr:Préludes de Rachmaninov#Prélude op. 3 no 2 en Ut dièse mineur, Lento - Agitato