Sergei Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff... composer, pianist, patriot in exile.

Spend the term studying one of the most talented pianists of the modern era. Born in Russia and extremely proficient at the most demanding techniques, Sergei Rachmaninoff composed hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric pieces that exude emotion, depth, and longing. Many of his pieces are considered some of the most difficult to play and have been featured in countless films and TV.

• Learn to recognize the signature bell like tolling of Rachmaninoff's chords.
• Learn about melodic inversion and the famous Variation on a theme of Paganini that has been used in many romantic films.

This guide is designed to be used over one term (12 weeks) with one lesson occurring every week for approximately 20 minutes. I do encourage you to informally listen to various pieces aside from formal lesson times.

Supplies needed:

• listening device
• measuring tape
• Little Red Riding Hood by Jerry Pinkney

Recommended contemporary and complimentary studies:

History – The Symphony of History Vol. 5 Sonata (Modern Age)

Geography – Europe

Poetry – A. A. Milne and William Carlos Williams

Picture – John Singer Sargent

Folk Songs – Songs from the Great War

*the guide includes QR Codes for easy links, if you choose to print the document.

For printing, we recommend our print partner Humble Heart Press.

** due to the nature of digital products, we are unable to accept returns.