Scriabin, Alexander : 6 Preludes Op.13
Work Overview
Composition Year：1895
Publication Year：1897
First Publisher：Belaïev
Instrumentation：Piano Solo
Genre：prelude
Total Playing Time：9 min 00 sec
Copyright：Public Domain
Commentary (1)
Author : Saitoh, Noriko
Last Updated: May 1, 2008
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Author : Saitoh, Noriko
This is one of several collections of preludes published in 1897 alongside the 24 Preludes, Op. 11. It was composed in Moscow when he was 23 years old.
No. 1 in C major, 3/4 time, Maestoso
It has a majestic structure, reminiscent of a chorale. It is characterized by a wide range of notes sounding simultaneously and a texture evocative of an organ.
No. 2 in A minor, 6/8 time, Allegro
This piece, where sixteenth notes and eighth notes interlock, does not rely on polyrhythm. The left and right hands each display their own undulations, highlighting the suppleness of their musical motion.
No. 3 in G major, 3/4 time, Andante
The right hand's slowly walking melody is accompanied by the left hand's wriggling triplet figures.
No. 4 in E minor, 2/4 time, Allegro
It employs a 3-against-5 polyrhythmic technique. Non-harmonic tones are beautifully and extensively used. And the final Picardy third provides the ultimate touch to the beauty of this piece.
No. 5 in D major, 6/8 time, Allegro
The right hand's melody in double stops is accompanied by the left hand's wide-ranging arpeggiated chords.
No. 6 in B minor, 6/8 time, Presto
It is based on octaves. The melody is often fragmented or extended, contributing to the changes in the piece's momentum. And such changes in momentum are considered to form the culmination of this collection.
