Composer

:

Alexander Scriabin

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1911 - 1912

Average_duration

:

12:16

Alexander Scriabin's Piano Sonata No. 7, Op. 64, also known as the "White Mass," was composed in 1911 and premiered in Moscow in the same year. The sonata is divided into four movements and is considered one of Scriabin's most complex and challenging works. The first movement, marked "Allegro," begins with a series of rapid arpeggios that set the tone for the entire piece. The movement is characterized by its intense energy and virtuosic piano writing, with frequent changes in tempo and dynamics. The middle section of the movement features a lyrical melody that provides a brief respite from the frenetic opening. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a stark contrast to the first. It is a slow, meditative piece that showcases Scriabin's use of harmony and color. The movement is built around a simple, repeated melody that is gradually transformed through a series of subtle variations. The use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of tension and unease that is resolved in the final bars of the movement. The third movement, marked "Allegro," returns to the frenzied energy of the first. It is a technically demanding movement that features rapid runs and arpeggios, as well as complex rhythms and syncopations. The middle section of the movement provides a brief respite from the intensity, with a slower, more lyrical melody that gradually builds in intensity before returning to the opening material. The final movement, marked "Vivace," is a tour-de-force of virtuosic piano writing. It is characterized by its rapid, staccato rhythms and complex harmonies, with frequent changes in tempo and dynamics. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before resolving in a final, triumphant chord. Overall, Scriabin's Piano Sonata No. 7, Op. 64, is a complex and challenging work that showcases the composer's unique style and innovative use of harmony and color. Its technical demands and intense energy make it a favorite among pianists and audiences alike.

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