Rachmaninoff at 150: The 24 Preludes - Julian Saphir

The 24 Preludes of Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), spanning his Op 3 No 2, Opp 23 and 32 sets, encapsulate a universe of emotions in concise musical forms. From the delicate simplicity of the F major Prelude to the thundering chords of the Op 23 No 5 in G minor, each piece is a miniature masterpiece.

Rachmaninoff's gift for melody shines through, often juxtaposed with intricate harmonies and powerful climaxes. The Preludes reveal his mastery of both lyrical expression and virtuosic pianism, forming a kaleidoscopic journey of human expression, from introspective tenderness to exuberant passion, making them a testament to his enduring influence in the piano repertoire.