Sergei Rachmaninoff — Polichinelle in F-sharp minor, Op. 3 No. 4 [Ashkenazy]

Polichinelle is the most sharply characterized and dramatic piece in Rachmaninoff’s Morceaux de fantaisie, Op. 3, composed in 1892. Inspired by the commedia dell’arte character, the music portrays a grotesque, almost sarcastic figure—playful on the surface, yet dark and unsettling beneath. Driven by biting rhythms, abrupt accents, and stark contrasts, the piece demands precision and clarity rather than lyrical warmth. Sudden shifts in dynamics and texture create a sense of theatrical tension, as if the character is constantly changing masks. With its bold energy and ironic edge, Polichinelle foreshadows the more aggressive and sardonic elements of Rachmaninoff’s later piano writing, offering a striking contrast to the introspection of the surrounding pieces. #art #classicalmusic #pianomusic #music #piano #musician #rachmaninoff