Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff - Prelude in G Major, Op. 32 No. 5

The crystalline G Major Prelude is one of Rachmaninoff’s more accessible works and has justly become a favourite of intermediate and advanced pianists alike. The left hand’s limpid quintuplets set the stage for the sparkling cantabile melody in the upper register with contrasting arabesque figures establishing a wistful atmosphere. In this video lesson on the piece, Fred Karpoff demonstrates how to play it expressively with cantabile voicing, imaginative fingering, good cross-rhythms, well-timed rolls and lush pedalling. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links... Read >>

Rachmaninoff - Prelude in C-sharp Minor (Op. 3 No. 2)

(Op. 3 No. 2)

A series of three videos exploring Rachmaninov’s famous Prelude in C-sharp Minor (Op. 3 No. 2) at the piano, with extensive practice tips to solve the technical issues, pedalling suggestions and thoughts on performance – including how to achieve a big sound effortlessly without banging or harshness.... Read >>

Sergei Rachmaninoff - Prelude in D Major, Op. 23 No. 4

Performance For pianists, this piece holds a special place as among the most beautiful solo pieces to play. Its main cantabile melody undergoes variation treatment (AA’BA’’) particularly with lyrical counterpoint and increasingly rich orchestration, with a tremendous climax leading to the final A section. In this detailed lesson on the piece, Fred Karpoff explores elements such as voicing, pedalling, three-dimensional technical solutions and clever options for how to retake voices in different hands to facilitate a smoother, more pianistic performance. Performance Video lesson Preview... Read >>