Rachmaninoff- Moments Musicaux op. 16 no.1 (B-flat minor, Andantino)

The Moments Musicaux (op.16) is a set of 6 stunning pieces written by Rachmaninoff at age 23 when he was struggling financially. A true work of art written by the young maestro. Here I present for you the first piece from the set. Andantino is the longest in the set by playing time. It is described as a generic hybrid, combining elements of the nocturne and theme and variation genres. The melody is chromatic, syncopated, and long, all idiosyncratic elements Rachmaninoff often includes in his works.