Both cycles of Études-Tableaux (opuses 33 and 39, composed between 1911 and 1917 in Russia), piano poems combining virtuosity and elements of sound painting represent the mature period in the works by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) – a pianist, composer and conductor – regarded as one of the most prominent figures of the Golden Age of the Piano, follower of Chopinian and Lisztian tradition which he extended by enhancing expressiveness, which resulted in the creation of an interesting piano texture. As an invaluable contribution to the solo piano literature, Études-Tableaux demonstrate the full tonal capabilities of the instrument, and their illustrative idiom coexisting with the symbolistic element opens up endless possibilities of artistic creation. Their distinguishing feature is the extramusical dimension along with obvious influences of Orthodox Church music and Russian folk music, a multitude of fascinating borrowings from the field of painting and musical metaphors. An integral component of developing one’s own interpretative concept involves an analysis of the narrative of Études-Tableaux in terms of symbolism as an ideological link to the full expression that affects their unique poetics. A few Études have been explored in order to identify the sources of inspirations, extramusical analogies, comparative elements and stylistic reminiscences that refer to the creativity of composers highly regarded by Rachmaninoff. The conveyance of hidden meanings shall be done through the composer’s complex musical rhetoric introducing the artistic anxiety that inspires a constant search for musical meanings. The process of interpretation becomes a meta-journey leading deeper into the fascinating world of Rachmaninovian symbolism, extending the scope of imagination with parallels from the borderland between literature and painting of Russian (Lermontov, Vrubel, Levitan, Kustodiev) and European (Perrault, Böcklin) art.

Słowa kluczowe: Sergiusz Rachmaninow; Études-Tableaux; ilustracjonizm i symbolizm;
pozamuzyczny wymiar; koncepcja interpretacyjna
Keywords: Sergei Rachmaninoff; Études-Tableaux; illustrationism and symbolism