Alla Marcia in g Minor | Orchestra

Program Notes

Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Alla Marcia in g Minor is arguably one of his most popular pieces that is still played today. This prelude was included as number 5 in his Opus 23, a set of ten preludes for solo piano. Rachmaninoff himself premiered this prelude in Moscow in 1903, along with Preludes 1 and 2 from this set. It begins with quiet yet decisive sixteenth note figures setting the mood for a minor march. Following this, the relative major Eb comes in full force expanding this sixteenth note figure with a descant-like melody. After a return to g minor, the energy of the opening march dissipates as a new lyrical melody takes the forefront, accompanied by sweeping arpeggios. This section is much melancholier than before. As this theme fades, the march returns slowly out of the mist that the previous section created. It builds to the return of the Eb major section that leads into a continuation of the march theme. This fades into a quick rising figure to finish the prelude. This arrangement captures both the energy of the march and the beauty of the lyrical middle section.

Instrumentation

2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets (B flat)
2 Bassoons
4 Horns (F)
3 Trumpets (B flat)
2 Trombones
1 Bass Trombone
1 Tuba
Timpani
Snare Drum
Tambourine
Harp (substitute piano if necessary)
Violins I and II
Viola
Violincello
Double Bass