The Prelude in E minor, Op. 23 No. 9 is a 1903 composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff. It is part of Rachmaninoff's Ten Preludes, Op. 23, and is one of the most difficult of the set.
Structure
A double note theme is announced in measures 1–4. The piece then modulates rapidly from bar to bar, passing through: G (measure 5); C (measure 6); A minor (measure 7); and B (measure 9). The primary melody returns at measure 11.
Measures 5 and 6
Measure 7
Measure 9
In measures 5–10 a number of thirds, sixths, seconds, and fourths make up the right hand melody. The left hand is an arpeggiated figure sporadically interrupted with minor seconds.
A reiteration of A occurs at measure 23.
Measures 22 and 23
The theme occurs again, and then at measure 34, a completely new theme appears in the soprano.
Measures 34 and 35
A series of descending chromatic sequences begins, and the work draws to a close in measure 50.
Measures 50 and 51
Recordings
References
External links Vladimir Ashkenazy plays Rachmaninoff Prelude Op.23 No.9 in E flat minor at YouTube