This headline should start arguments. In any subject, mentioning a favorite results in arguments in the comments section. People by nature tend to be passionate about their favorites.
I am now a fan of several composers. I began debating with myself over who my number one piano composer is. I had been a fan of Franz Liszt for over 6 years. During those years, I was not as big a fan of classical music as I am today. I only knew few pieces by a few composers. Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody was my favorite piece along with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Number 1.
I bought a keyboard this past spring and began taking lessons. At the same time, started to expand my collection of favorite pieces. Since I like the style of Franz Liszt, I decided to explore more composers from the Romantic era. I found Sergei Rachmaninoff among several others.
I was blown away the first time I heard Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor aka Opus 3 Number 2. It immediately became my new favorite piece. I dream of being able to play it someday. The dramatic chords and passionate melody spoke to me in a way no other piece had before.
I then discovered a wonderful current-day pianist named Yuja Wang while I was looking for more pieces by Rachmaninoff. I found two videos of Yuja Wang playing Rachmaninoff pieces. Both Prelude in B Minor, Opus 32, Number 10, and Prelude in G Minor, Opus 23, Number 5 are wonderful pieces which invoke emotions. Her technical brilliance combined with emotional interpretation made me an instant fan.
My love of classical piano grew exponentially and continues to grow each day. I have discovered several more pieces by Rachmaninoff which lead me to state that he is my favorite composer. In particular, I love his Preludes Opus 23 and Opus 32, as well as his Etudes-Tableaux Opus 33 and Opus 39. The melodies are unforgettable, and the harmonies lush and dramatic.
I also love Franz Liszt, Frederic Chopin, Claude Debussy, Johannes Brahms, and Erik Satie. Liszt’s Liebestraume is transcendentally beautiful. Chopin’s Nocturnes are exquisitely lyrical and melancholic. Debussy’s Clair de Lune is impressionistic magic. Brahms’ Intermezzi are deeply moving. Satie’s Gymnopedies have an enchanting, dreamlike quality.
It just seems that Rachmaninoff has the most pieces which resonate deeply with me. I found my style. His music speaks to my soul in a profound way. When I listen to his works, I am transported to another world. I feel a kaleidoscope of emotions – passion, longing, sadness, joy. The melodies dance in my mind long after the music has stopped.
As I continue to explore the wonderful world of classical music, I expect to find many more wonderful pieces by all my favorite composers and others. There is an endless treasure trove waiting to be discovered. I look forward to expanding my knowledge and cultivating my taste. My journey has only just begun.Â
The world of classical music is filled with treasures waiting to be uncovered. I can’t wait to keep exploring.Â
I will leave you with my current list of favorite pieces by Sergei Rachmaninoff:Â
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