Rachmaninoff completed Op. 23 mainly for financial reasons, even though the music is deeply expressive. He wrote most of it while staying at his cousin’s hotel, and later dedicated the work to him as a gesture of thanks. The piece is often described as “moderately difficult” compared to his more demanding works, but this can be misleading. It is technically subtle and requires careful control. The pianist must bring out two melodies in one hand, manage complex, layered rhythms, and navigate wide leaps across the keyboard, all while maintaining a smooth, singing sound.