These three student works represent Rachmaninov's earliest style, which is an interesting blend of Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Even at this very early point (age 14) Rachmaninov's piano style is developed. It is characterized by thick textures, complex part writing, exceptionally wide chord voicings and arpeggiations (due to Rachmaninov's large hands) and a romantic lushness and beauty of sound. Also present from the start is Rachmaninov's driving and often breathless rhythmic style as well as his extraordinary melodic gift. The f-sharp minor Nocturne is the longest and most developed. An Allegro central section features rapid repeated chords and octaves that build to an impressive climax. The reprise of the opening material is beautifully elaborated. The second, in F major, opens as a slow March, then continues in a rhythmic 6/8 Allegro that pits a syncopated accompaniment against a flowing melody. The third Nocturne, in c minor, written a year later than the other two, has a central section that anticipates the c-sharp minor Prélude from Opus 3. All three are effective, if not entirely original.



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