Is Rachmaninoff Prelude hard?
This is a piece with challenges very different from those met in the baroque pieces. I think many amateur pianists who claim to play the Rachmaninoff prelude will have difficulties with the Bach and Scarlatti pieces. Mediocre playing of the prelude isn't too hard, while excellent playing is very difficult.
Why did Rachmaninoff hate Prelude in C sharp minor?
Rachmaninoff – C-sharp minor Prelude
His publisher didn't pay him any royalties, so even after the piece exploded in popularity, he saw none of the profit. Maybe this explains why he grew to hate it.