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The short answer
Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2 No. 1 is an etude by Alexander Scriabin from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 6, an estimate.
- etude
- Romantic
- melancholic
Also known as Scriabin, Study in C Sharp Minor Op. 2 No. 1.
History
Scriabin wrote this early étude at about fifteen, years before his name was widely known. Published in 1893, it asks for an expressive, singing line within full chords: the challenge is to make the voices clear and connected, rather than simply to play fast.
Sources
What to listen for
A chordal song meets longer answers
The ascending chordal line alternates with sustained upper answers above moving inner notes. Hear the dialogue between those different lengths.
The answer changes its pitch context
A changed signature accompanies a different answer. Follow its contour without mistaking the notation change for a new hand allocation.
A transition leads into the opening recall
The original signature returns as transition and familiar material connect. Recognise the song within the varied calls.
A quieter recall reaches held chords
The closing recall quietens into fermata chords. Hear the remaining inner voices through the sustained arrival.
How to practise it
- Keep the longer arrival audible rather than giving every preceding pair equal weight.
How hard is it
Chordal writing contains a singing upper line alongside quieter inner notes and sustained harmony. Its main intermediate challenge is voicing and release control rather than maximum finger speed.
About this piece
- Collection
- The study studio
- Licence
- Public Domain
- Source
- mutopiaproject.org
More by Alexander Scriabin
- Prelude in E-flat minor, Op. 16 No. 4 (Lento)Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro
- Two Pieces, Op. 59: No. 2, PreludeLevel 7, estimatedWith Maestro
