Prelude in G Minor [Rachmaninoff] (4 on 2 Marimbas)

A longtime favorite of pianists, this transcription of Rachmaninoff's Prelude in G Minor for 4 players on 2 marimbas holds true to the spirit of the original piece in musical expression and the composer's creative genius.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Level: Medium Advanced | Duration: 3:45

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)
Marimba 1 4-octave*
Marimba 2 4-octave*
Marimba 3 5-octave*
Marimba 4 5-octave*

*Only two 5-octave marimbas are required if Players 1 & 3 and 2 & 4 share instruments.

Program Notes
Pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff completed his Prelude in G Minor (Opus 23, No.5) in 1901 and gave the premiere performance in 1903. Michael Faris, director of the Webster University Percussion Program, commissioned this transcription for marimba quartet on the occasion of the Webster Community School of Music’s 100th anniversary in 2025.

A longtime favorite of pianists, this transcription holds true to the spirit of the original piece in musical expression and Rachmaninoff’s creative genius.