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A melancholic piano work from Rachmaninoff's early career, showcasing his signature lyrical style and harmonic richness. The first of his Morceaux de fantaisie, it reflects the Romantic era's emotional depth while foreshadowing his mature compositional voice.

This iconic piano piece encapsulates Rachmaninoff's signature bell-like sonorities through its ominous opening chords and cascading triplets. Its popularity became so immense that audiences would demand it by shouting "C-sharp!" at concerts. The prelude's dark majesty helped define Russian Romanticism and influenced generations of composers.

Composed when Rachmaninoff was just 19, this brooding prelude catapulted him to international fame. Its ominous opening chords (C♯-E-B) mimicking Russian church bells created such demand that Rachmaninoff grew to resent its popularity, famously quipping "Many, many times I wish I had never written it." The piece remains a landmark of late Romantic piano literature.

This emotionally charged prelude, known for its dramatic bell-like chords and melancholic melody, catapulted the 19-year-old Rachmaninoff to fame. Its popularity was so immense that audiences demanded it as an encore at every performance, leading the composer to famously remark, "Many, many times I wish I had never written it."

This prelude, part of Rachmaninoff's early Morceaux de fantaisie, embodies Romantic-era intensity with its ominous chords and dramatic climax. Its enduring popularity contrasts with the composer's own resentment toward the piece due to its constant demand as an encore.