Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1 (Scriabin)
Introduction Alexander Scriabin'''Étude in C-sharp minor''', Op. 2, No. 1, is an étude for piano, written by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin in 1887.
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.
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.
Recordings  Pianist Duration Record Label Recording Date AlbumVladimir Horowitz02:39Deutsche Grammophon1986Horowitz in MoscowShura Cherkassky03:24London Records1982EncoresVladimir Horowitz03:04Sony Classicsmid 1960s?Horowitz plays ScriabinSviatoslav Richter02:51Melodiya1952RichterBurkard Schliessmann03:20Bayer Records1990Alexander Scriabin, Piano Works
See also *List of compositions by Alexander Scriabin
References
External links * Scores at the IMSLP* Étude Op. 2 No. 1 at Allmusic