Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was completed in the summer of 1934 and given its world premiere with the composer at the piano in Baltimore, Maryland later that year. 

It is essentially a single movement work with an introduction and 24 variations. 

After the introduction, we hear the main theme, originally written by Italian violin virtuoso, Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840). Rachmaninoff then takes this theme and develops it through the many variations highlighting both the orchestra and solo piano.     The slow 18th variation has become so popular, it is often considered a separate piece.     Although the work is not officially a concerto for piano and Orchestra, it can be thought of as a work in three different sections, similar to the typical three movements of a standard concerto. In this case, the introduction and the first 10 variations are fast variations, typical of a fast first movement of a concerto. Variation 11 through 18 corresponds to the typical slow or middle movement of a standard concerto and then the last variations, 18 through 24 comprise a short final fast movement.  This is one of the most well-known works for piano and orchestra.