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The term “Musical Moments” goes back to Schubert, who collected a number of short piano pieces over the years and published them as a set. In 1896, the 23 year old Sergei Rachmaninov did the same thing and published his Six Musical Moments as his Opus 16

”Andantino” is a marking that is not used all that often by composers. Schubert was fond of it, and Sergei tips his hat to the master who had been dead for 68 years. It has the bleakness of Schubert is his late works.

Rachmaninov: Andantino in B-flat minor, Op. 16/1

The second piece is a whirlwind.

Allegretto in E-flat minor, Op. 16/2

The third piece is both mystical and sad.

Andante cantabile in B minor, Op. 16/3

The fourth piece is a throwback to Chopin. Follow the score, and see just how difficult this piece really is.

This is the time to note just how large Sergei’s hands really were. I can handle the interval of a full tenth in a thumb-to-fifth-finger span, but Rachmaninov could play a full thirteenth! That six-foot-six-inch frame of his gave him some advantages.

Presto in E minor, Op. 16/4

The fifth piece is a wonderful lullaby. It’s a one handkerchief piece.

Adagio sostenuto in D-flat, Op. 16/5

The last piece is joyous and exuberant. It’s a great piece for finishing a concert.

Maestoso in C, Op. 16/6