🇷🇺Sergei Rachmaninov ： Russian Song in h-moll Op.11-3

This lyrical duet centers on a long-breathed, song-like melody, supported by inner voices and accompaniment that create a rich sonority. Listening to the flow from the presentation of the melody through changes in register and harmonic fullness reveals both its simplicity and Rachmaninov’s characteristic intensity of expression. Highlights include passages in which the principal melody is passed between the players and the shades created by shifting harmonies. In performance, the two pianists should coordinate their breathing and allow the melody to sing without making the accompaniment too heavy. Sharing the climaxes of each phrase and carefully shaping the pedal and dynamics can preserve the continuity of the music while drawing out a deep, lingering resonance.