Scriabin, Alexander : 4 Preludes Op.48
Work Overview
Composition Year:1905
Publication Year:1906
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
[Open]
Author : Saitoh, Noriko
Composed in 1905 and published the following year.
No. 1: F-sharp Major, 3/4 time, Impetuoso, Fiero (impetuously, fiercely)
Frequent use of altered dominant 7th and dominant 9th chords creates a literally intense sound. In particular, the left hand requires high technical skill due to numerous octave leaps, amplifying the piece's fierce character. Rests are effectively employed in the concluding section.
No. 2: C Major, 4/2 time, Poetico con delizio (poetically, with fleeting pleasure)
The right-hand chords, spanning a wide range, feature a long, flowing melody in their upper voice, highlighting the beauty of the arpeggiated technique. It is essential to sustain the long melodic line so that it is not obscured by the undulating, ripple-like left hand.
No. 3: D-flat Major, 3/4 time, Capricciosamente, Affannato (capriciously, breathlessly)
A piece featuring arpeggiated chords in a 2-against-3 polyrhythm. Affannato is a marking that Scriabin frequently used thereafter. The right hand, forming an arc-like shape, is accompanied by the left hand descending through a wide range.
No. 4: C Major, 3/4 time, Festivamente (like a festival)
In this piece, low-register appoggiaturas and octave-doubled textures create a rich sound that spans a wide range simultaneously. The dotted rhythms are also effective, making it, quite literally, a festive piece.