https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oILLr5Lg9OI
Rachmaninoff wrote 3 known, published variations: Op.22 Variation on a Theme of Chopin (Based on Op.28 No.20), Op.42 Variation on a Theme of Corelli (Based on Op.5 No.12), Op.43 Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Based on Caprice No.24). Of these three, Paganini variation is the most well-known (mainly due to 18th variation). However, the other two variations are equally amazing, and here is one of them: Corelli Variation.
Corelli Variation was written in later stage of Rachmaninoff's life, and among the three variations, this one of the darkest. All of the variations are in either dark or resigned tone, unlike the other two, both of which end triumphantly. Ashkenazy once commented that this piece contains something dark, like the resignedness of somebody who has lived through his turbulent life.
In my opinion, compared to other famous variations, this one is more compact in terms of size (taking about 16-19 minutes to execute), and mood (it contains only one mood rather than changing moods and styles consistently).
I feel that this one could be a great introduction to variation form, because of its conciseness and straightforwardness. Moreover, it's full of gorgeous melodies (for example, 14-5th variation that rivals the 18th variation of Paganini variations.
It is one of the most introspective and desolate pieces of Rachmaninoff in my opinion, along with the fourth piano concerto. Please give it a listen someday if you haven't already. It's only 20 minutes, and it will pass by in an instant as you marvel at this masterpiece!
I love this piece but am not in the know at all on what versions of it I should most urgently check out.
I enjoy pieces that have a heart-wrenching, dramatic quality to them. It doesnβt have to be from the baroque era; it can be classical or romantic!
Greetings, I recently heard a section from a newly discovered piece by Vivaldi. Some people say this was partly inspired by Corelli. There is a particular section however that interests me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT2j2JgP1yk&t=319s
Can someone tell me if this is from a piece by Corelli? Thanks!
