This étude was the first of the Three Pieces from Op. 2 that are generally dated to the period between 1887-1889. Scriabin was 15 years old when he wrote this étude in 1887, a time when he was already an admirer of Chopin and Liszt. The influence of the former can be heard in the harmonies and emotional tenor of the piece, but the main theme is more akin to the singing melodic creations Rachmaninov would be writing in a few years. Yet the melody divulges characteristics of Russian Gypsy music in its melancholy exoticism. This melody is really at the heart of this popular piece, one of Scriabin's earliest successes. It has an arch-like contour, soaring upward in its first half, but only partially descending. Emotionally, the music is full of passion and romance, but features a sense of anxiety, too, in the end conveying some sadness or frustration in lovely simplicity. The piece lasts about three minutes and will offer appeal to most fanciers of piano music.

© All Music Guide

###

Obviously this is an early effort by Scriabin, but the Op. 2 numbering is misleading: there are at least seven other works without opus numbers that preceded it, including an E flat minor Sonata. The composer was only 14 when he wrote the first of these pieces, the C sharp minor Etude, but it is surprisingly well crafted.

This work has a stately quality in its ascending sad theme. While the influence of Chopin is in evidence here, one already more than vaguely hears the voice of the mature Scriabin in the harmonies and in the slightly hesitant flow of the melody line. The second piece, Prelude, one minute long, is about a third the length of the Etude, but within its brief span a wistful theme is presented that has charm in its quirky gentleness. The last item here, the Impromptu alla mazurka, is Chopinesque and graceful, and features a playful, brief middle section. In sum, this trio of pieces, totaling about six minutes in performance, is not a major item in the composer's output but offers rewards to those interested in his musical language.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.