Rachmaninoff: Vocalise for English Horn and Piano

Code: JP1099
ISMN: 979-0-3019-0505-0

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was influenced by Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and other Russian composers, but soon developed his own style which was notable for its lyricism and use of rich orchestral colors. As one of the finest pianists of his day, Rachmaninoff drew upon his own skills to explore the expressive qualities of the piano, which was featured prominently in his works.

Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 appears as the last of Rachmaninoff's 'Fourteen Songs', Op. 34, and was dedicated to soprano Antonina Nezhdanova. There is some confusion surrounding the date of composition for the Vocalise. Most of the songs in this collection were composed between 1910 and 1912, but it appears that the Vocalise was not added until 1915. The Russian musicologist, Victor Yuzefovich, gives evidence that the Vocalise was first played by Koussevitzky in an instrumental arrangement for double bass and orchestra in a December, 1915 performance in Moscow. Since Koussevitzky and Rachmaninoff were known to be close friends, this performance most likely took place with the composer's approval.

It is uncertain whether the piano or orchestra version came first. The earliest known publication, which is the version for the soprano and piano, is in the Russian National Library and dated 1915. Today, this music has been adapted for several different instruments with piano. The music is one of Rachmaninoff's most popular melodies and works very well in the edition for English horn and piano. The instrumental technique is not difficult, but the challenges are found in the musical playing.