S. Rachmaninoff의 Variations on a Theme of Corelli op.42에 관한 변주기법 분석 연구

Abstract

This thesis analyzes “Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op. 42,” written by the Russian composer Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff. The piece was played at a concert by the thesis writer to fulfill requirements to receive a master’s degree in musicology. The purpose of this study is to enhance the quality of the practical performance by delving into the idea of variations, the life of Rachmaninoff and his piano music, based on his theological background, and also for comprehending how variations have developed. This piece was written in 1931 by Rachmaninoff as one of his last works for a piano solo. Rachmaninoff’s “Variations on a Theme of Corelli,” dedicated to his friend, the violinist Fritz Kreisler, derived its theme from “La Folia,” the Violin Sonata Op. 5, No. 12. The music comprises a theme followed by 20 variations, a liberal, romantic Intermezzo between variations 13 and variations 14, and a Coda to finish. The composition is divided into three parts by Barrie Martyn – the first part from the theme to variations 7, the second part from variations 8 to Intermezzo, and the last part from variations 14 to Coda. The first part reveals its theme at Andante while increasing its tempo gradually, with a relatively stable form and tempo with D minor as a whole, all while using an odd meter. The second part starts from variations 8, showing an irregular length of the phrases and informal measures. The last part starts with D♭ major, from variations 14 and 15, which is quite exceptional, while also using an irregular tempo and an ostinato. Studying of Rachmaninoff’s “Variations on a Theme of Corelli” provides insights to his unique, passionate expressions of music, its beautiful melody and its sophisticated harmonic processing. The music helps grasp the melody and rhythm, which needs to be primarily expressed in the piece, by locating the Folia patterns, understanding characteristics of each variations and analyzing how they develop. Hopefully, it will enrich the quality of future musical performances.