🇷🇺Sergei Rachmaninov ： Gopak (from Mussorgsky “Sorochintsy Fair”)

A lively dance paraphrase by Rachmaninov based on music from Mussorgsky’s opera Sorochintsy Fair. Rapid motion and sharp accents drive the music forward, while contrasting episodes with changing expressions interrupt its vigorous progress. The increasing tension and brilliance toward the close, leading to a dazzling finale, are among the work’s attractions. In performance, maintain crisp articulation and precise rhythm while bringing out the melody, which can easily be buried in the texture. The music calls for a balance between powerful energy and flexibility.