Information about the piece

Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: 18th Variation is a stirring piece of music composed by Sergei Rachmaninow. This beautiful composition has an interesting backstory:

• Rachmaninow created this piece in 1934, making it one of his later creations. He wrote it after moving to the United States. It was the last composition preceding a four-year hiatus from composing.
• The song is based on a caprice by Niccolò Paganini, a famed violinist. The musical conversation between the piano and orchestra embodies twenty-four variations on the original thematic material, with the 18th variation being the most well-known and frequently performed.
• While the majority of the Rhapsody is in the style of a lively orchestral showcase, the 18th variation presents a gentle and richly harmonious contrast, characterized by its slow tempo and romantic expression. Here, Rachmaninoff utilizes the technique of inversion, effectively flipping Paganini's theme upside down.

The 18th variation is particularly noted for its simplicity and beauty that sets it apart from the rest of the Rhapsody. Its tranquil, melodic theme weaves a spell-binding narrative of its own. It has been cherished by audiences around the world and featured frequently in popular culture, with appearances in diverse media ranging from films to video games.

If you're interested in playing this captivating piece, our intermediate/advanced version of the sheet music for Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43: 18th Variation is available for download after purchase.