Should be played more! Scriabin's Piano Concerto

Alexander Scriabin's only piano concerto, Op. 20 in F-sharp minor, is notable among his early works: composed between 1896 and 1897, it is heavily influenced by Chopin, but also contains many of Scriabin's own musical explorations. Below is an in-depth analysis and background of this work, which we will explore in as much depth as possible.

Composition Background

Scriabin was born in Moscow in 1872 and studied at the Moscow Conservatory as a contemporary of Rachmaninoff. His early works were strongly influenced by Chopin and Liszt, but he gradually developed his own musical language. This piano concerto, composed when he was 25 years old, demonstrates his musical maturity and innovation at the time.

Music Composition and Analysis

The concerto consists of the following three movements

◆First movement Allegro 3/4 time in F-sharp minor

In sonata form with introduction, the piano appears immediately after a short orchestral introduction. The first theme is a lyrical and passionate melody, and Chopin's influence can be felt. The second theme is mazurka-like and has a Russian melancholy. The orchestra plays the role of complementing the piano, and the overall composition is characterized by its tightness. The coda reaches a climax and ends tragically.

◆2nd movement Andante 4/4 time in F-sharp major

The theme is said to have been composed by Scriabin when he was 12 years old. The theme has a simple and sweet character, and the following four variations are classical ornamental variations. In the first variation, the piano shows a light scherzo-like movement, while in the second variation, the low register of the left hand is emphasized, creating a dark atmosphere. In the third variation, the orchestra inverts the theme and the piano provides a delicate accompaniment. The coda quietly concludes the movement.

◆3rd movement Allegro moderato 3/4 time in F-sharp minor to F-sharp major

It is in rondo sonata form, characterized by the heroic first theme in polonaise style and the lyrical and song-like second theme. The piano part is known for its technical difficulty, with many complex arpeggios and polyrhythms. In the coda, the key changes to F-sharp major, forming a spectacular climax and grandly closing the piece.

Orchestral technique and performance characteristics

Rimsky-Korsakov, who had advised Scriabin on the orchestration of this concerto, pointed out the balance. He offered to revise it himself, but Scriabin refused and made only partial corrections himself. As a result, some have pointed out the weakness of the orchestration, but the superb virtuosity of the piano part and the unique harmonic progression add to the charm of the work.

Performance and Recording

Scriabin himself attached great importance to this concerto and featured it 11 times in his concerts upon his return from Europe in 1910. However, the challenges of orchestration and the difficulty of the piano part have limited the opportunities to perform it in modern times. As for recordings, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Garrick Ohlsson, Georg Ugorski, Konstantin Sicherbakov, Peter Yablonski, and other pianists have given excellent performances.

summary

Scriabin's Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor, Op. 20, is essential to understanding his early style. While influenced by Chopin, Scriabin's original musical language and innovative experimentation are evident throughout the work, and its beautiful melodies and unique harmonic progressions leave a deep impression on the listener. Although the performance opportunities are limited, the charm of this work has not faded away, and it occupies a special place in classical music.