Scriabin - 10 Mazurkas Op.3 No.7 in E minor (Score with Analysis)

Описание: Work: 10 Mazurkas Op.3 No.7 in E minor by Aleksandr Scriabin
Performed by: PianoExplained
Instrument: Yamaha P125 Digital Piano

Aleksandr Nikolayevich Scriabin (1871 - 1915) was a Russian composer and pianist who wrote almost exclusively pieces for the orchestra and solo piano. Showing immense talent on the piano and in composition since a young age, Scriabin was characterized by his strong personality and desire to compose only what he liked without succumbing to academic and social pressure. Scriabin's development of style can be divided into 3 periods: early (until 1903, which, being an admirer of Chopin's music, largely follows conventions of the Romantic era), middle (1903 - 1907, which features much chromaticity, dissonance, unresolved chords), and late (1907 - 1915, where tonality is all but dissolved and his music displayed much flexibility and freedom of constraints).

Mazurka in E minor Op.3 No.7 is the mazurka most tinted with chromaticism among Scriabin’s 10 Mazurkas Op.3, perhaps other than No.10. The 1st motif is almost exclusively chromatic and is melancholy and emotional. Due to the piece’s passionate nature, there are many places throughout where rubato is viable and appropriate, which offers the performer much liberty and artistic freedom. Most notably, the end of each section, as well as their subsections, seems to be almost marked with a sigh, which goes to show that even at such a young age (around 16 years old), Scriabin was already capable of conjuring compositions with such emotional depth, demonstrating his talent and building a strong foundation to become a great composer in his future career.

The form of this piece is much simpler compared to the other 9 mazurkas in the collection, being in the rounded binary form (ABA), as opposed to the rondo form (ABACA or ABACABA). In addition to making use of transitions, codas, and modified subsections to create variety to an otherwise conventional form, Scriabin also attempted to experiment with 9th chords, polyrhythm, and unusual harmony, all of which would eventually become some of the signature characteristics of his music.

Link mentioned in the video:
Scriabin - 10 Mazurkas Op.3 No.4 in E Major (   • Scriabin - 10 Mazurkas Op.3 No.4 Mazurka i...  )

______________________

Follow me on Instagram where I post uncommonly performed classical piano music:   / pianoexplained