Description

Alongside HN 1264 (the Etude in E-flat minor, Op. 39, No. 5), we are now offering the Etude in C major in a single edition, taken from our much-loved complete edition of the 17 Études-Tableaux. Rachmaninoff greatly valued this work, often including it in his concert programs and also recording it. The piece features a longing melody that unfolds over a simple accompaniment. This charming etude, which alternates between major and minor, serves as a good technical exercise for crossing over the hands, though it does not present as many difficulties as Rachmaninoff's other études, making it manageable for advanced amateurs. The Henle Urtext edition provides helpful fingerings from virtuoso Marc-André Hamelin to aid pianists.