Some aspects of the impact of Western European music upon the works of Sergei Rachmaninoff

Abstract

The subject of this research is certain manifestations of the impact of Western European music culture upon the works of Sergei Rachmaninoff. The object of this research is the piano, piano-orchestral and symphonic music of S. Rachmaninoff. Analysis is conducted on the particular manifestations of the impact of rhythmics that is characteristic to the Western European music and originated from it, certain melodic formulas, such as Dies Irae. Special attention is given to examination of the impact of rhythmic formulas that crystallized in Baroque period, such as “eighth with a dot, sixteenth and eighth", polyphonic rhythmics (with its specific manner of “ligation” of notes and syncopation), as well as the rhythm texture inherent to preludes and toccatas. The novelty of this article lies in the attempt to reveal the little-studied aspects of the impact of European music upon the musical language of Sergei Rachmaninoff. The conclusion is made that the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff reflects a strong influence of the European music, even his signature rhythmics, which at first glance is quite unexpected. The origins of Rachmaninoff's “rhythm formula” can be traced in the Western European polyphonic music. Other aspects of cultural interaction can also be easily identified. The acquired results can be applied in the pedagogical practice, as well as be valuable for musicologists, musicians, and anyone interested in Sergei Rachmaninoff’s music.