Code: JP2126
ISMN: 979-0-3019-0298-1
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 clarinet
and piano. The instrumental technique is not difficult,
but the challenges are found in the musical playing. The
edition listed here has been edited for clarinet in A
and piano by John Anderson. A separate edition for B-flat clarinet and piano is also
available. See JP2127.
Click here for more information on John Anderson
