an overview of the art of transcription and an analysis of transcriptions composed by Sergei Rachmaninoff

This study aims to analyse from various angles the art of transcription from past to present, and the transcriptions for solo piano composed by Sergey Rahmaninoff. The first chapter deals with the historical development of the art of transcription and renders a general view of significant piano transcriptions by composers of various eras. In the second chapter detailed information of the life and musical language adopted by Sergey Rahmaninoff is presented. The third chapter centers on transcriptions composed by Rahmaninoff in which he has undertaken works by various composers and also contains a chronological list of all transcriptions he has composed. The main theme of this thesis focuses on the reflection of Rahmaninoff's musical language on works of composers belonging to different periods and who have adopted different musical styles. In addition, the typical musical language practiced by the composer together with his approach to the piano technique have been analysed through his piano transcriptions.