Scriabin, Alexander : Nocturne As-Dur
Work Overview
Instrumentation：Piano Solo
Genre：nocturne
Total Playing Time：3 min 50 sec
Copyright：Public Domain
Commentary (2)
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Last Updated: July 10, 2023
[Open]
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
This work, composed between 1884 and 1886, is believed to have been written after theD minor CanonandRomance. It was composed during his time at the military cadet school, a period when he studied piano withNikolai Zverev in 1884 and composition withSergei Taneyevin 1885. It later developed into works such as theTwo Nocturnes, Op. 5,and thesecond of the Two Pieces for the Left Hand, Op. 9.Written in ternary form, the opening begins with gentle undulations, developing more dramatically through momentary modulations to F minor and passages with double notes. The middle section features a melody in C major with cluster chords that constantly resonate like bells. Overall, it is a romantic work.
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Last Updated: July 10, 2023
[Open]
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Performance Tips
This piece is structured in ABA ternary form, with each phrase consisting of four measures. In section A, the right hand plays the melody while the left hand provides accompaniment. The left hand's sixteenth notes should be played legato, without becoming too loud, evoking the image of waves gently ebbing and flowing. Furthermore, accents in measures 3 and 7, for instance, should not be overemphasized as this would disrupt the musical flow. Instead, play them with a slight tenuto, taking care that the notes do not protrude excessively.
From measure 17, section B features a succession of chords; ensure that the top voice is clearly audible. The dynamics here should shift from piano to forte, changing expression like yin and yang, creating a clear contrast in dynamics. Section B develops from measure 21; in measure 22, emphasizing the chromatic thirty-second notes in the right hand as they transition to forte can lead to a more nuanced expression. Grasp the overall image of the piece and consider articulations appropriate for the work.
