AMQS signed “S. Rachmaninoff” on a 12.5 x 7 heavy card with printed staves. Rachmaninoff pens four bars, which he also titles in French, “3rd Concerto for Piano / op. 30,” the opening theme from what is familiarly known as Rach 3. Affixed to the left side of the card is a vintage 3.5 x 5.5 color postcard portrait, based on a drawing by German artist Robert Sterl, signed in Russian by Rachmaninoff at the same time he penned the musical quotation (as the signature trails off on to the mount). In fine condition.
The musical quotation selected by Rachmaninoff holds the distinction of being ‘the world’s toughest piano piece’ in the standard piano repertoire. Such a reputation was based on the piece’s technical and musical demands, leading one article to claim that it exposes a musician to ‘everything the keyboard can throw at anyone who dares to take it on…[but] Rach 3 [is] the work that every pianist of genuine ability will want to master.’ The concerto was written by Rachmaninoff at his family’s country estate and completed in September 1909. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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