Rachmaninoff, Sergei. (1873–1943)
Autograph Musical Quotation
Rare AMQS from the great composer/pianist who has penned the opening descending motive A-G#-C# from his Prelude in C-sharp minor. Signed "Sergei Rachmaninoff 1924." On a slip of paper measuring 6.5 x 11.5 cm, toning around the edges, mounted to a slightly larger sheet. Together with a vintage 8 x 10 inch portrait photograph.The Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2 is one of Rachmaninoff's most famous compositions. Its first performance was by the composer on September 20, 1892, at a festival called the Moscow Electrical Exhibition, which Rachmaninoff considered his debut as a pianist. The prelude became of his most famous compositions and his cousin, Alexander Siloti, was instrumental in securing the Prelude's success throughout the Western world. In the autumn of 1898, he made a tour of Western Europe and the United States, with a program that contained the Prelude. Soon after, London publishers brought out several editions with titles such as The Burning of Moscow, The Day of Judgement, and The Moscow Waltz. America followed suit with other titles, such as The Bells of Moscow. It was so popular that it was referred to as "The Prelude" and audiences would demand it as an encore at his performances, shouting "C-sharp!" Rachmaninoff recorded the piece both electrically and on Ampico piano rolls. In the Marx Brothers comedy, A Day at the Races, 1937, Harpo plays the C-sharp minor prelude with such energy, the piano explodes. (8237)
AMQS Classical Music