Rachmaninoff’s beautiful Vocalise is the final piece from the set of 14 Songs or Romances Op. 34 composed in 1915. It is essentially a Song Without Words. The composer invites the vocalist to sing using just one vowel sound throughout. It’s dedicated to soprano Antonina Nezhdanova. Over the years there have been numerous arrangements of the piece although, as far as I’m aware, this is the first for guitar ensemble. Although the upper part of the arrangement should be prominent the lower parts all have their share of melodic interest. I hope you enjoy performing it as much as I did arranging it.
