Scriabin, Alexander : Variations on a Theme by Mlle Egorova
Work Overview
Instrumentation：Piano Solo
Genre：variation
Total Playing Time：5 min 30 sec
Copyright：Public Domain
Commentary (2)
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Last Updated: July 10, 2023
[Open]
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Composed by Scriabin in June 1887, when he was 15 years old. He studied piano with Nikolai Zverev in 1884 and composition with Sergei Taneyev in 1885, before entering the Moscow Conservatory in 1888. The identity of Miss Egorova, to whom the work is dedicated, remains unknown. This is the only work in the genre of "Variations" composed by Scriabin for solo piano, with the exception of the second movement of his Piano Concerto, Op. 20. The variations unfold up to the third variation. From a solemn theme, the first variation, marked "Più lento," maintains a continuous motion of sixteenth-note triplets. The second variation features a pianistic passage in the right hand over an active left-hand accompaniment. The third variation shifts to 2/4 time, with the right hand developing even more brilliantly. This work reflects Scriabin's early style, inheriting the Romantic tradition.
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Last Updated: July 10, 2023
[Open]
Author : Yamamoto, Nao
Performance Tips
The main melody (right-hand part) appearing in the theme reappears as an accent in the left hand in the first variation. In the first variation, the right hand consists of two groups of 16th-note triplets; play them legato to ensure continuity. The left hand is composed of four groups of 8th notes; however, since the off-beats of the melody are triads, playing them as is might obscure the melody due to the chord's volume, so consider the balance when performing. In the second variation, listen to the harmonic shifts in the left hand, and play the melody vividly, as indicated by animato in measure 41.
The third variation is bright, brilliant, and light-hearted. Play the rhythms clearly and the delicate arpeggios sparklingly, building towards the climax.
