Étude in C minor, Op. 2, No. 1, is an étude for piano, written by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin in 1887[ Étude Op. 2 No. 1 at allmusic], 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 étude is in time in the key of C 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.Étude Op. 2 No. 1 at Last.fmIMSLP Score
Recordings Pianist Duration Record label Recording Date AlbumVladimir Horowitz[ Horowitz in Moscow at allmusic]02:39Deutsche Grammophon1986Horowitz in MoscowShura Cherkassky[ Encores at allmusic]03:24London Records1982EncoresVladimir Horowitz03:04Sony Classicsmid 1960s?Horowitz plays ScriabinSviatoslav Richter[ Richter at allmusic]02:51Melodiya1952RichterBurkard 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