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Scriabin, Alexander : 4 Preludes Op.39

Work Overview

Music ID : 2584
Composition Year:1903 
Publication Year:1904
First Publisher:Belaïev
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:prelude
Total Playing Time:5 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Saitoh, Noriko

Last Updated: May 1, 2008
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Like the Four Preludes, Op. 31, this work was composed in Moscow in 1903 and published the following year. For more on Scriabin during this period, please refer to the entry for Op. 31.

No. 1: F-sharp Major, 3/4 time, Allegro

The texture of this piece is reminiscent of the first movement of Schumann's Kreisleriana, Op. 16. At the beginning, the indication fermaménte (resolutely) is given.

No. 2: D Major, 2/4 time, Elevato (nobly)

This is a solemn, chorale-like piece. Characteristic features include the occasional augmented fourth progressions. Furthermore, the note values in the upper voice include quarter notes, skip rhythms, and quarter-note triplets, suggesting the composer's intention to notate subtle agogic variations.

No. 3: G Major, 2/4 time, Languido (languidly)

The technique of 5 against 3 polyrhythm is employed. The indication languido in this piece was frequently adopted thereafter. The quintuplets played by the left hand frequently employ chromatic motion.

No. 4: A-flat Major, 3/4 time

This piece, only 16 measures long, features a homorhythmic texture, unlike the preceding piece. It maintains a forte dynamic throughout, bringing the collection to a close.

Writer: Saitoh, Noriko

Movements (4)

Allegro

Key: Fis-Dur  Total Performance Time: 1 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0

Elevato

Key: D-Dur  Total Performance Time: 1 min 00 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0

Languido

Key: G-Dur  Total Performance Time: 1 min 00 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0

-

Key: As-Dur  Total Performance Time: 1 min 30 sec 

Explanation 0

Sheet Music 0

Arrangement 0