Rachmaninov, S.: 13 Preludes, Op. 32 / Variations On A Theme of Corelli / Isle of the Dead (Arr. for Piano)

Featuring

Carlo Grante
Sergei Rachmaninoff

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Composition History

The theme for Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme of Corelli, known as 'La Folia,' was introduced to him by violinist Fritz Kreisler, its dedicatee, and had older Portuguese origins.

Composition History

The Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42, was Rachmaninoff's last work for solo piano and the only one composed during his 26 years of exile in the USA.

Composer Biography

Rachmaninoff believed that a composer needed a 'definite' external inspiration, like a book, picture, or poem, to convey a clear impression in his music.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Rachmaninoff resisted musical innovation for its own sake, expressing doubt about contemporary music's direction and the sincerity of its representatives.

Performer Biography

Carlo Grante, the pianist on this album, is known for his broad repertoire and has recorded the complete solo piano works of Godowsky and begun a complete Scarlatti cycle.

Critical Reception

Rachmaninoff's Corelli Variations did not receive the desired reception, leading him to skip variations during performances based on audience coughing.

Composition History

Rachmaninoff's symphonic poem The Isle of the Dead was inspired by a black-and-white reproduction of a painting by Swiss Symbolist Arnold Böcklin, which impressed him more than the color versions.