Rachmaninov composed his Second Sonata in Rome, in a flat belonging to Modest Tchaikovsky, while also working on his orchestral/choral symphony, The Bells.
Compositional Technique
Rachmaninov's 24 Preludes, like Chopin's, cover all major and minor keys, but unlike Chopin's, they are not arranged in a carefully designed circle of fifths to form an integrated set.
Compositional Technique
The evocation of bells is a recurring element in Rachmaninov's music, notably in the last movement of the Second Sonata and permeating the Moments musicaux, Op. 16.
Critical Reception
There is an ongoing debate among pianists and critics regarding Rachmaninov's 1931 revision of the Second Sonata, with some finding the cuts too severe and others admiring the more compact version.
Composition History
The Moments musicaux, Op. 16, were written quickly in the last three months of 1896 because Rachmaninov was short of money.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Rachmaninov revised his Second Sonata in 1931 because he felt it was too long and contained redundant material, aiming for a more compact form.
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Rachmaninov: Music for Piano
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