By
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," Op. 43, composed in 1934, is a set of 24 variations on Niccolò Paganini's Caprice No. 24 for solo violin. This work for piano and orchestra marries Rachmaninoff's late Romantic style with neoclassical elements, featuring a wide range of textures and moods, from the capricious to the deeply lyrical, including the famous 18th variation which stands out for its sublime, inverted melody. The "Rhapsody" remains a staple in the concert repertoire, celebrated for its ingenious transformation of Paganini's original theme.
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by:
Jon Kimura Parker
Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is a concerto in variation form. Although shorter than its traditional 3-movement brethren, the Paganini Rhapsody is as enduring as his 2nd and 3rd concerti and a favorite among virtuoso pianists. Join Rice University professor and concerto guru Jon Kimura Parker as he takes you on a tour of the variations, analyzing Rachmaninoff’s clever compositional devices, breaking down complex passagework, and revealing the magic of this one-of-a-kind piece.
Access Course →The scores found in this library each accompany one of the 100s of courses on tonebase, all taught by renowned pianists.
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