1/16/2021　Scriabin　Etude op 2 no. 1

On January 16 Burton-Hill selected Scriabin's etude op 2 no. 1. According to Burton-Hill, "Look, sometimes what we must really need in the middle of January is music, that feels like a large glass of red wine." It is a 2–3-minute etude that has been played by many pianists. The recording I chose is by Horowitz. This is frequently performed as an anchor piece. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=327D03P5Xxc

This etude was composed in 1887, when Scriabin was only 16 years old. According to Wikipedia “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.” As Burton-Hill says this may be "music that feels like red wine poured into a large glass" that you want on a cold winter night.