Composed in 1913, this work consists of two small-scale poems, each less than 50 measures long. Up until this period, Scriabin had composed numerous works primarily based on dominant ninth chords, but from this year onwards, he began to incorporate minor seventh and major seventh chords in addition to dominant ninth chords.

First Piece

The first piece is written in Allegretto, 3/4 time, and has a two-part structure of “ABA’B’” with a small coda. Primarily, “A” is based on the mystic chord, and “B” on the sound of the whole-tone scale. In this piece, the French markings, meaning “gently, delicately” (Doux, délicat) → “gracefully, fragilely” (Gracieux, fragile) → “lightly, brilliantly” (Léger, lumineux), offer a glimpse into the “mysticism” present in Scriabin’s works.

Second Piece

The second piece is written in Allegretto, 6/8 time, and has a two-part structure of “AA’” with a small coda. In this piece, rapidly ascending arpeggios are interwoven with trills and dance-like rhythms, and this structure creates a diabolical capriciousness that represents “evil.” Sonically, it is based on the dominant ninth chord. Furthermore, it exhibits the mystic chord, a sonic construction reminiscent of Messiaen’s second mode of limited transposition (also used in Op. 63-2), the whole-tone scale, and capricious changes in character. This piece includes French markings meaning “sharply, capriciously” (Aigu, capricieux) and “suddenly calmly” (Soudain, calme).