The Études-Tableaux ("study pictures"), Op. 39 is the second set of piano études composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
The Op. 39 set comprises nine études:
No. 1 in C minor
This quick-paced étude demands a tireless right hand, a syncopated left hand and considerable dexterity. Technically, the music is in an almost continual climax. It bears a resemblance to Chopin's Prelude in E-flat minor.
No. 2 in A minor
Also known as "The Sea and the Seagulls". The work contains many musical textures that make it a difficult study in touch. It requires the performer to restrain themselves and at the same time not sound monotonous. The technical workings of the étude is the 2 over 3 timing, the crossing hands, and large span of the arpeggiated figures for the left hand. This left hand figure quotes the Dies Irae plainchant, one of the many works by the composer to do so.
No. 3 in F-sharp minor
No. 4 in B minor
No. 5 in E-flat minor
No. 6 in A minor
This aggressive and daunting piece opens with threatening chromatic octave runs low on the keyboard, answered by quick, chattering treble figures that eventually transform themselves into a march. The music grows hectic and, having reached
presto, sounds nearly out of control. The effect of the piece is seemingly mysterious yet fully unified. Referred to as "Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf", the piece ends with the chromatic runs sounding as though the wolf swallowed Red Riding Hood whole.
This piece was originally the fourth étude of the Op. 33 set. Since it exhibits all the pianistic, rhythmic and harmonic features that characterize the Op, 39 set, it can be assumed Rachmaninoff revised this piece extensively before including it here.
No. 7 in C minor
No. 8 in D minor
This piece is a lyrical and musical study of double notes. It requires precise pedaling, flexible and independent figures, and agility. The piece has very long, defined legato melodic lines that are contrasted by a staccato middle section.
No. 9 in D major
Another recording of the Op. 39 Études-Tableaux is by Alexander Melnikov on the Harmonia Mundi label. Other works are the Op. 38 songs and the Variations on a Theme of Corelli.
Rachmaninoff recorded Op. 39, No. 4 (piano roll only), and Op. 39, No. 6 (electrical recording and piano roll).
