Scriabin, Alexander : Scherzo Op.46
Work Overview
Publication Year:1905
First Publisher:Belaïev
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:scherzo
Total Playing Time:1 min 20 sec
Copyright:Public Domain
Commentary (2)
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Last Updated: July 10, 2023
[Open]
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Composed in 1905, this is the only work in which Scriabin tackled the genre of "Scherzo." It was written during a period when Scriabin had moved to Switzerland with his wife, Vera Isaakovich, and was leading a double life with his mistress, Tatiana Schloezer, whom he had also moved nearby. This period coincided with his efforts to raise funds for his life in Europe with Tatiana. Furthermore, 1905 was also the year when the first edition of his Symphony No. 3, "The Divine Poem," Op. 43, was published and premiered in Paris. Although this work is a short piece in ternary form, it is composed in Scriabin's characteristic style, featuring anacrusis, chromatic progression, ascending figures of cluster chords, and leaping left-hand accompaniment. As befits the work's style, it begins with "Presto" and concludes with "Adagio." It is a piece characterized by a "fast-slow-fast" dynamic.
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Last Updated: July 10, 2023
[Open]
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Performance Tips
This piece is structured in a three-part form consisting of ABA' and a coda. In section A, since the chromatic progression forms the main melody, ensure that the top note of the chords is prominent and not obscured by other notes. Furthermore, as it becomes a very fast passage at "Presto," it is appropriate to perform it with a light and whimsical expression. (The author believes that the chords used here are similar to those in Scriabin's Poème satanique, Op. 36, and can be treated similarly for expression.) Section B, starting from measure 16, contrasts with A and is lyrical, but it contains detailed dynamic indications such as piano to forte, and crescendo to forte to piano within short measures. This is one of the dynamic techniques Scriabin employs in his works, so be sure to execute them precisely. Additionally, from measure 33 to measure 36, the right hand's inner voice repeats the semitone "F→E♭" while the left hand repeats "D→E♭," creating a fragmented effect. This is also a compositional technique frequently used by Scriabin, primarily before the recapitulation. Play with a sense of urgency, following the crescendo indications.
True to the meaning of "Scherzo" (joke), this piece is brimming with Scriabin's playfulness. Try to grasp these characteristic features of his style in your performance.
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