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Melody

Melodies can be created by using different features which can affect such things as to how it moves and how it is articulated. Rachmaninov wrote:

• solo melodies for piano and other instruments in the orchestra, such as the clarinet

• the first theme in the first movement is heard in the violins and clarinets with conjunct movement
• the third movement features a simple and lyrical melody on the flute, which moves mostly by step
• the third movement features a written cadenza for the soloist

Metre and tempo

The metre is given by the time signature usually found at the beginning of a score and so too can the tempo marking. Bear in mind:

• the metre is in 2/2
• there are frequent changes of tempo using accelerandos and ritardandos

Structure and tonality

The three movements are in standard concerto form and the key signatures for each of the movements are:

1. first movement - moderato, in C minor
2. second movement - adagio sostenuto, in C minor, modulating to E major
3. third movement - allegro scherzando, in E major, modulating to C minor and finishing on C major

The first and third movements are in sonata form and Rachmaninov included a bridge section between the first and second movements.

Instrumentation and dynamics

Rachmaninov wrote the concerto for a large orchestra. This table shows the instruments and the orchestral families inlcuded in the composition.

In addition to the instruments displayed above, be aware of the following points:

• there are multiple sections written for solo piano
• the piano at the turn of the 20th century was designed to allow greater dynamic range than in previous versions of the instrument

Harmony

Much of Rachmaninov's work is expressed through the harmony between the instruments, for example:

• the inclusion of chromaticchords, written with sevenths, ninths, diminished and augmented intervals, enrich the harmony throughout the concerto
• loud dissonant chords add to the climax of the piece