THE DREAM

Rachmaninof

JENNY JESLYN JENIUS, 2022786833, CAMU220 SEM 6

1. Composer Background

Sergei Rachmaninoff was a well-known Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. He

was born on April 1, 1873, in the small Russian town of Semyonovo, near Novgorod,
and died on March 28, 1943, in Beverly Hills, California, USA. Rachmaninoff was
born into a musically inclined household. Lyuba Butakova, his mother, was a talented
pianist, while his paternal grandfather was an amateur musician and choirmaster.
These early musical inspirations were influential in his growth as a musician and
composer. At the age of nine, Rachmaninoff began taking piano lessons, and his talent
quickly became evident. He later studied at the Moscow Conservatory under the
guidance of renowned piano teacher Nikolai Zverev and composer Alexander Siloti.
His compositions also garnered attention during his time at the conservatory.
Rachmaninoff's career as a composer and pianist flourished. He is best known for his
romantic and emotionally expressive compositions, which often featured lush
harmonies and beautiful melodies. Some of his most famous works include the Piano
Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, the Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, and the Symphony
No. 2 in E Minor. Rachmaninoff's life, however, was marred by difficulties, notably
the Russian Revolution of 1917, which resulted in the loss of his family's estate and
compelled him to flee Russia. He subsequently moved to America, where he
continued to compose and perform. During his time in America, he rose to
prominence as a superb pianist and conductor. Rachmaninoff's music is distinguished
by emotional profundity, technical brilliance, and a strong link to Russian
Romanticism. His compositions are still acclaimed and performed around the world,
and he is a well-known character in classical music history.

2. Synopsis

Rachmaninoff composed "The Dream" (or "Сон" in Russian) as part of his Opus 38, a
set of six songs, in 1890. In this haunting and evocative piece, the composer captures
 the essence of a vivid dream. The song's protagonist recounts the mystical experience
of an enchanting dream, where the lines between reality and the dream world blur.
The dreamer finds themselves transported to a place of beauty and wonder, where
time seems to stand still. Throughout the song, Rachmaninoff's rich harmonies and
lush melodies create an ethereal atmosphere, painting a vivid musical portrait of this
otherworldly dream. The dreamer expresses their desire to linger in this enchanting
realm, but they know that they must eventually awaken and leave it behind. As the
dreamer awakens, the music gently fades, leaving a sense of longing and nostalgia for
the dream's beauty. "The Dream" is a beautifully introspective and emotionally
resonant song, showcasing Rachmaninoff's talent for expressing deep and profound
emotions through music.

3. Analysis score
The piece is written in the key of D-flat major, indicated by the five flats in the key
signature. This key signature creates a melancholic and introspective mood. A Dream
follows a ternary (ABA) form, consisting of two contrasting sections (A and B) with a
return to the initial section (A) at the end. The contrasting middle section provides a
contrast in mood and melodic material before returning to the familiar opening theme.
Rachmaninoff employs rich and colourful harmonies throughout the piece,
incorporating chromaticism and lush chords. The harmonies reflect the introspective
and nostalgic character of the music, creating moments of tension and resolution. The
texture is predominantly homophonic, with the melody supported by accompanying
chords. He occasionally introduces polyphonic elements, intertwining different
melodic lines. The changing textures bring variety and interest to the piece.The score
includes various articulation markings that guide the performer's interpretation of the
piece. These markings indicate legato (smooth and connected), tenuto, crescendo as
well as few dynamics changes. The rhythm in A Dream is characterized by the use of
syncopation and varied note values, contributing to the flowing and dreamlike quality
of the music. The gentle, undulating rhythm creates a sense of relaxation and
contemplation. In summary, "A Dream, Op. 8 No. 5" by Sergei Rachmaninoff is a
poignant and introspective piece written in D-flat major. Its flowing melody, rich
harmonies, and expressive dynamics combine to evoke a sense of dreamy
contemplation. Rachmaninoff's skillful use of form, texture, and ornamentation
further enhance the beauty and emotional impact of the composition.
4. Lyric Translation

E u menya bil krai radnoi,

(Once I had a home,)

Prekrasen on!
(so beautiful!)

Tam yel kachalas nado mnoi

(Above me the swaying of a spruce)

No to bil son!
(But it was a dream!)

Semya druzei zhiva bila

(My friend and his loved ones lived there.)

Savsekh staron
(From all sides)

Zrucha li mnye liobvi slava

(came their words of love)

No to bil son!
(But it was a dream!)
5. Musical Term

Musical Term Symbol Meaning

Allegretto - at a brisk speed
Pianissimo pp Very soft
Piano p Soft
Mezzoforte mf Moderately louder
Forte f Loud
Accelerando accel. a gradual increase in
tempo
Fermata Hold

Lento - at a slow tempo

Tenuto ten. hold a tone or chord firmly
to its full value
A tempo - In time
Colla parte - with the solo part in tempo
and phrasing
Expressivo espr. With expression
Crescendo Gradually increase volume

Fortissimo ff Very loud