S. Rachmaninov's music and variations on a theme of Corelli Op. 42

Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov, one of the most prominent pianists and composers at the turn of the 20th century, became an influential figure both as a composer and a pianist with his highly coveted compositions and his virtuoso identity. Variations on a Theme of Corelli Op.42 is one of his three compositions in a variation form that Rachmaninov wrote towards the end of his last years. His compositional style demonstrates a consistent change with new techniques around these years. This work remains the focus of this study and proves to be a quintessential composition of this new era in Rachmaninov's style in terms of his iconic use of the form, the technical challenges, and the musical maturity that is required to execute it. The first section of this study outlines the life of Rachmaninov, his music through his identity both as composer and a pianist. In the second section, the main focus is the variation form and the ways in which this form is applied in Variations on a Theme of Corelli Op.42 along with an analysis of this work. Finally the third section examines this composition in terms of its technical characteristics. Although there is a large number of studies and research conducted on Rachmaninov's life and his other works, Variations on a Theme of Corelli Op.42 has never been the subject of any research or study in Turkish, which played a key role as a motivational force to write this dissertation. Furthermore, this study can be used as a source for further research by students and professors who wish to examine Rachmaninov and his compositions at conservatories and music institutions.