Classical Music | Piano Music

Recorded on 10/09/2013, uploaded on 05/06/2014

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Liebesfreud by Fritz Kreisler, transcrived by Sergei Rachmaninoff

Fritz Kreisler composed the original Liebesfreud (Love’s Joy) for violin, first published in 1905, as part of a set called “Old Viennese Melodies.”  Being good friends with Kreisler, Rachmaninoff was inspired by his music and his performance of this piece, and arranged it for piano.  The transcription reflects the wistfulness and virtuosity of Kreisler’s violin playing, adding the extra dimension in the bass and providing rich harmonies.  It was written shortly after Rachmaninoff and his family settled in New York City.  Described as a reserved man, Rachmaninoff could have buried himself in nostalgic thoughts of his beloved homeland, yet it seems that he was able to fully express himself musically in his new home – the United States.     Daria Rabotkina

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.