Scriabin: 7 Preludes, Op.17

Introduction

These seven Preludes are among Scriabin's more Romantic works. In the mid-1890s, he was a composer in his early twenties, not yet given to the mysticism and megalomania that would lead him down interesting but questionable paths of artistic expression.

The pieces still divulge the voices of Chopin and Liszt, not necessarily bad influences, especially in the hands of the young Scriabin. The gloomy first piece here, in D minor, marked Allegretto, is not as lively as the tempo might suggest, the theme passionate and animated, but often stuck in repetitions that suggest disappointment and frustration. If No. 1 echoes Chopin, the E flat major second, marked Presto -- but hardly sounding it -- is Lisztian in its big chords and slight pomposity.

The third, in D flat major, sounds like its Andante pace in its gentle, unhurried descending theme. The music is soothing and mesmerizing, auguring the otherworldly moods that would appear in Scriabin's later works. At about two minutes, this is the longest piece of the seven. The B flat major fourth, marked Lento, in contrast, has an ascending theme, and is one of the shortest pieces in the group, lasting about a minute. It is otherwise of a similar character to the third.

No. 5 is boisterous and lively, with harmonies that call the young Rachmaninov to mind. The key is F minor and the Presto marking for once has bustle and anxiety about it. The B flat major sixth, marked Andante doloroso, is timid and quiet, hesitant and barren. It is the ultimate lull after a violent storm. The G minor last Prelude is anxious and passionate, but tempered by some inner restraint when it yearns to explode near the end. This whole set lasts about 10 to 12 minutes in typical performances.

Parts/Movements

1. No. 1, in D minor
2. No. 2, in E flat major
3. No. 3, in D flat major
4. No. 4, in B flat minor
5. No. 5, in F minor
6. No. 6, in B flat major
7. No. 7, in G minor