Besides an Elegiac Trio for Tchaikovsky and a "Vocalise," he composed a work that opens with a series of block chords on the solo instrument; that work is Piano Concerto no. 2.
One piece by this composer begins with a piano playing two quarter notes and four chromatically descending eighth notes, a motif that continues after the entrance of the violin and the cello. Another is often played by a solo instrument despite being composed for a wordless voice. Besides an Elegiac Trio for Tchaikovsky and a "Vocalise," he composed a work that opens with a series of block chords on the solo instrument; that work is Piano Concerto no. 2. He used the "Dies Irae" theme in a work with a 5/8 motif representing the oars of Charon, as well as in a work inspired by the caprices of an Italian violinist.  For 10 points, name this Russian composer of Isle of the Dead and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
One piece by this composer begins with a piano playing two quarter notes and four chromatically descending eighth notes, a motif that continues after the entrance of the violin and the cello.
Sergei {Rachmaninov}