It could literally send shivers down your spine this piece could when played exceptionally well.

Rachaminoff's two collections of his Etudes-Tableaux (Op.33 and 39) are much different than his two collections of Preludes (Op.23 and 32). The Etudes were meant to be "picture pieces," evoking the imagination of the performer and listener without a word from the composer as to what they were supposed to be seeing. The two collections of Etudes rank among the most challenging of the piano repertoire, comparing them to the Concert Etudes of Liszt and Scriabin.

The work below, theEtude-Tableaux, Op.39 No.6 in A minor performed by the amazing Valentina Lisitsa in an uproariously vivid performance, is one to remind us all that a)Rachmaninoff's music is indeed playable, and b) what results from exceptional dedication.



Referred to as the Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf etude, the piece starts off aggressive with thunderous chromatic runs low on the keyboard, swiftly answered by quick, engaging figures in the treble that eventually transform themselves into a march. As the music develops it grows more uproarious and hectic till it reaches a presto, where at this point sounds nearly out of control. The effect of the piece is heavily mysterious yet fully unified. If the piece is to have referenced the story of Little Red Riding Hood, it seems clear that the Wolf is the victor.

One could almost wonder how this video could be for real, but the truth is often the most difficult thing to comprehend when confronted by a greater visual ideal.

Background on the prelude came with reference from the book, Rachmaninoff: Life, Works, Recordings by Max Harrison. A great read so far, and I'm only a little bit into it.