These Two Mazurkas were written during a prolific period in Scriabin's career, a time when he turned out five sets of preludes (containing 19 pieces altogether), a collection of Eight Etudes, Op. 43, and numerous other piano pieces. Yet for the most part, the pair divulge little of that typically tortured and dark side of the composer, an area often explored in his other piano works from this period. Nor do they exhibit any substantial debt to Chopin, at least as heard in his famous mazurkas. The first of the two Op. 40 mazurkas, in D flat major and marked Allegro, has a carefree manner and conveys that quirky sense so typical of Scriabin after the turn of the century. The main theme does have a Chopin-esque quality in its graceful lightness, but is pure Scriabin in its hesitant gait and imaginative harmonies, harmonies that sometimes suggest a disturbance beneath a seemingly peaceful veneer. Some tension does emerge midway through as the theme develops, but the outer sections are quite light and cheerful. The piece lasts about a minute-and-a-half. The second mazurka is in F sharp major and carries the marking Piacevole (pleasing). Its character is similar to that of its sibling here, opening in a carefree mood, the theme graceful and full of sunshine. There is little suggestion of disturbance from the harmonies, though the music remains chipper and light throughout. The work is marginally shorter than the D flat major, lasting about a minute-and-a-quarter. Both mazurkas can fairly be judged as minor masterpieces.

© Robert Cummings, All Music Guide