Rachmaninoff's first prelude, the Prelude in C sharp minor from his youthful Cinq Morceaux de fantaisie op.3, became so famous it overshadowed his more substantial works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rachmaninoff considered concision a difficult achievement for an artist, stating that saying what needs to be said briefly and lucidly is the greatest problem.
Composition History
Rachmaninoff composed his thirteen Preludes op.32 'in his head' during a 1909/10 concert tour in the United States, where he presented his Third Concerto.
Performer Biography
Nikolai Lugansky, the pianist on this recording, is described by Gramophone as 'the most trailblazing and meteoric performer of all' due to his extraordinary depth and versatility.
Composition History
The Preludes op.23 are dedicated to Alexander Siloti, Rachmaninoff's first cousin, a famous pianist, and a pupil of Liszt, who had mentored Rachmaninoff since his teenage years.
Composer Biography
Rachmaninoff's ten Preludes op.23 were composed during a happy period of his life, shortly after marrying his cousin Natalya Satina and before becoming a father.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rachmaninoff considered composing as essential as breathing or eating, viewing it as an inner necessity to express his thoughts musically.
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