Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1 (Scriabin)

Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1, is an étude for piano, written by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin in 1887.[1]

Alexander Scriabin

Background

This étude was written in 1887, when Scriabin was just 16 years old. It was the first of the Three Pieces, Op. 2, and was one of Scriabin's earliest successes.[1]

Analysis
The first few bars of Scriabin's Étude Op. 2 No. 1

Étude Op. 2 No. 1 is in 3/4 time and is in the key of C-sharp minor.

The melody is poignant and heartfelt, showing many characteristics of Russian Gypsy music. It is accompanied by repeated chords in both hands, featuring rich harmonies, inner voices, and large spreads in the left hand. The dynamics of the piece are varied constantly to display emotion and passion and to add interest. The piece features many key changes but finally concludes in the original key. Although it is a slow and somber piece, like many other études, it is considerably difficult to perfect.

This étude lasts for about three minutes.[1][2][3]

Recordings
Pianist Duration Record Label Recording Date Album
Vladimir Horowitz[4] 02:39 Deutsche Grammophon 1986 Horowitz in Moscow
Shura Cherkassky[5] 03:24 London Records 1982 Encores
Vladimir Horowitz 03:04 Sony Classics mid 1960's? Horowitz plays Scriabin
Sviatoslav Richter[6] 02:51 Melodiya 1952 Richter
Burkard Schliessmann 03:20 Bayer Records 1990 Alexander Scriabin, Piano Works

See also

References
  1. Étude Op. 2 No. 1 at allmusic
  2. Étude Op. 2 No. 1 at Last.fm
  3. IMSLP Score
  4. Horowitz in Moscow at allmusic
  5. Encores at allmusic
  6. Richter at allmusic
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