These five preludes are early works, coming at a time when the composer had not completely broken free of the influence of Chopin and Liszt. Still, Scriabin's keyboard style was emerging toward its unique character, and the music in all five works here, even when it shows a debt, is quite worthwhile.
The first prelude, in A major, marked Andante, features a theme of passionate, yearning character with an upward turn at the outset, giving its manner a sort of bursting forth with color and freshness of spirit. This melody dominates the piece and turns slightly melancholy in the latter half. The brief F sharp minor second prelude, marked Vivo, is light and lively and quite Chopin-esque in its running figures.
No. 3, in E major, marked Allegro assai, is glittery in its arpeggiated chords, with Chopin's long shadow once again hovering above the keyboard. The C sharp minor fourth is serene and sweet in its Andantino pacing and gentle character. Here one notices the quirky manner and somewhat hesitant melodic flow, traits that would later become easily recognizable in this composer's style. The last prelude, the C sharp minor, is marked Andante and if its tempo does not contrast with the previous piece, the serious and melancholy nature of its music does.
These five preludes performed together typically last about six to seven minutes.
Parts/Movements
- No. 1, in A major
- No. 2, in F sharp minor
- No. 3, in E major
- No. 4, in E major
- No. 5, in C sharp minor
