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Rachmaninov's Moment Musical No.3 is full of incredible sadness, and goes straight to the soul. It's a powerful experience to perform this piece and an experience that I cherish every time. You can find more videos on juliawallin.com


When Moments Musicaux was composed, Rachmaninov was a 23 year old music graduate in Moscow. He was at the very early stages of his career and looking for outside recognition, just like any other young artist. Unfortunately, soon after he composed Moments Musicaux, he suffered a dreadful setback because of the terrible reviews his first symphony received. Rachmaninov was so badly affected by the criticism he fell into a deep depression and was unable to compose anything for three more years.

Each of the six pieces in Moments Musicaux represents a completely different compositional style. Number three is described as a 'funeral march', and a jazz version of this piece has also become famous. Number four is composed as an etude, and one of the first compositions in which Rachmaninov's signature virtuoso style is evident.