Richter plays Rachmaninoff Etudes-Tableaux No.1 & 2

The title Etudes-Tableaux / picture etudes was apparently coined by Rachmaninoff, although this form is not unique to him. It is possible that the Transcendental Etudes of Liszt served as a forerunner to the Etudes-Tableaux. Each piece presents a pianistic problem, in the tradition of the etude. In addition to this, an extra-musical idea is implied, although Rachmaninoff was reluctant to reveal any program associated with the Etudes-Tableaux. He stated, “I do not believe in the artist disclosing too muc