Schedule
HostsWays to Give
HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsEventsOn DemandOur StoryOur TeamWays to Give Become a Sponsor
How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media:

Logo image

Find Us on Social Media:

Download Our Mobile App:

google play icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersAnnual EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

Visit Help CenterContact UsHow to Listen

©2025 Classical California

Sweepstakes RulesFCC ComplianceLocal Public FilesCPB ComplianceAnnual EEO ReportPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

articles / Quiz

Reflective Rachmaninoff…

QuizRachmaninoffPop CultureThe State of the Arts

On an “A-to-Z” edition, a Reflective look at Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody… The not-quite piano concerto that Sergei Rachmaninoff wrote, inspired by the 24th of Niccolo Paganini’s Caprices – the theme and set of virtuosic variations originally written for solo violin (allowing the composer to show his prodigious talent). One of the reasons for the continued popularity of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is the beautiful 18th variation, with a melody quite unlike the theme at first glance.

Reflective Rachmaninoff…
00:00

It wasn’t the first time – nor the last time – the tune would be used by another composer. Liszt adapted the Caprices, and Brahms wrote two books of variations for the piano – just on the 24th alone. It had a lot going for it as a theme, as Paganini demonstrated in his variations, with a strong enough harmony suggested by only the violin, and a form that echoes each four bar phrase, a composer could change a lot, and still remain recognizable, and not make the audience lose its place in the tune.

For the 18th variation, Rachmaninoff took the opening theme and inverted it – going down when the theme went up, and vice versa – to discover the memorable lush melody that’s so memorable:

(The eighteenth variation begins at 14:42 in this performance)

QuizRachmaninoffPop CultureThe State of the Arts
Written by:
Jeffrey Freymann
Jeffrey Freymann
Published on 10.01.2019
Loading...

MORE LIKE THIS

Impressionism, Images… and Impromptu

Impressionism, Images… and Impromptu

Explore the evolution of Impressionism in visual and musical arts, from its initial criticism to its impact on artists like Claude Debussy and the development of the Impromptu.

03/06/2020
Stormy C Minor

Stormy C Minor

Explore the unique personalities of musical keys, specifically C minor, through identifying famous compositions in this key by renowned composers.

03/06/2020
Obstinate Ostinatos…

Obstinate Ostinatos…

Explore the concept of Ostinato in music, its intensity and usage, with examples from Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" and Gustav Holst's "Mars, the Bringer of War".

03/06/2020
Rossini’s Leap-Year Birthday

Rossini’s Leap-Year Birthday

This article explores the life and career of Gioachino Rossini, a prolific opera composer known for his speed and ability to repurpose material, who later focused on smaller compositions.

03/06/2020
A Quiz for a ‘Getaway Wednesday’

A Quiz for a ‘Getaway Wednesday’

Explore the world through music with our 'Getaway Wednesday' challenge. Identify 11 geographically-themed pieces from 13 global locations. Test your musical geography now!

10/01/2019
G Major’s Elation and Contemplation…

G Major’s Elation and Contemplation…

Explore the versatility of G Major through a medley of classical pieces, from Ravel to Grieg, showcasing its ability to express a range of emotions.

10/01/2019