G minor, Alla Marcia

The impressive march-like rhythm, played spiritedly yet freely from the outset, makes this one of the most well-known pieces in this collection of preludes. The romantic melody heard in the middle section also possesses a beauty characteristic of Rachmaninoff. Although there are many repeated chords and octaves, one must avoid striking the keys in a way that causes physical tension.

Rachmaninoff's own recordings are preserved on SP records and player piano rolls.