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Sergei Rachmaninoff's 14 Romances, Op. 34 is a collection of vocal pieces composed between 1890 and 1896. Here are some interesting facts about this composition:

1. Composition Period: Rachmaninoff composed the 14 Romances, Op. 34, during a challenging period in his life. He was recovering from the critical failure of his First Symphony, which had a profound impact on his confidence as a composer.

2. Diverse Themes: The collection encompasses a wide range of themes, emotions, and moods. Each of the 14 romances is a standalone piece, often exploring various aspects of love, nature, and the human experience.

3. Vocal and Piano Settings: The romances are written for various voice types (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and baritone) with piano accompaniment. Rachmaninoff's skillful piano writing is a notable feature, providing a rich and expressive backdrop to the vocal lines.

4. Text Sources: The romances feature texts by various poets, including Aleksei Pleshcheyev, Apollon Maykov, Mikhail Lermontov, and others. Rachmaninoff was known for his meticulous attention to the choice of poetry for his vocal compositions.

5. Popular Pieces: Some of the romances within Op. 34 have gained individual popularity outside of the complete set. For example, "Vocalise" (No. 14) is particularly well-known and has been arranged for various instruments and ensembles.

6. Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14: "Vocalise" is perhaps the most famous piece from this collection. It is the final romance and is distinctive in that it is wordless, consisting solely of vocalizing sounds. Its hauntingly beautiful melody and emotional depth have made it one of Rachmaninoff's most beloved compositions.

7. Influence of Russian Romanticism: The 14 Romances, Op. 34, showcase Rachmaninoff's affinity for the Russian Romantic tradition. The rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and the incorporation of Russian poetry reflect his deep connection to his cultural roots.

8. Posthumous Recognition: While Rachmaninoff faced initial criticism for his compositions, including the Romances, his music later gained widespread acclaim. Today, these romances are appreciated for their emotional depth, lush harmonies, and the profound connection between voice and piano.

9. Continued Performance: Rachmaninoff's music, including the 14 Romances, Op. 34, continues to be performed and recorded by vocalists and pianists worldwide. The enduring appeal of his works speaks to their timeless emotional resonance.

These facts highlight the historical context, artistic significance, and enduring popularity of Sergei Rachmaninoff's 14 Romances, Op. 34.