Three Scriabin Pieces (2 Etudes Op. 8 and Prelude Op. 11)

Hello folks,

I'd like to share some recordings of some pieces by Scriabin. These were recorded during a live recital so I apologize if there are some small mistakes or background noise in some of the recordings.

It's been a couple of years since I've really posted anything here, but I hope to break out of that streak now that I'm starting to settle into my new job in California.

For those that may not know where I'm coming from with my playing, I grew up improvising and playing Jazz but started taking classical lessons from a concert pianist about two years ago while living in Japan. I bought my first piano after moving back home to the US and have been working with a new teacher here for about a year. I think my playing has improved by quite a bit (listening to some of my old recordings posted here can confirm that) and am pretty happy with these recordings, but please give me any feedback you might have.

I have a lot more pieces to record, but it will take some time before I can get them ready to post here. In the mean time, I will also post a recording of some improvisation that you might enjoy.

Thanks.
Tristan

Scriabin - Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 11, No. 10

Scriabin - Etude in F-sharp minor, Op. 8 No. 2

Scriabin - Etude in B-flat minor, Op. 8, No. 11

 

Very capably played. The first thought that came to my mind is that Russian music like this does not really come off on a digital. It needs a deeper sonority (which maybe you can't sufficiently realize on your instrument) as well as more expansiveness (this is something you could work on).

I found the prelude a bit hurried and matter-of-fact. The accented notes between bar 1 and 2, and elsewhere, seem a bit too loud. In the Etude op.8 no.11 you could be a bit more grandiloquent, it again sounds too modest and pedestriian. I do not quite agree with your jazzy take on the opening of the Etude op.8 no.2, but the development after that is most beautifully done.

But all said, these are quality recordings with not a note out of place - I did not hear any mistakes. Well done !

 

Hi Chris,

Actually I recorded this on my piano, but all I have is a small portable recorder and it doesn't yield a very full sound -- either that or I haven't figured out the best placement for it. (I suppose it doesn't help that I didn't have a chance to tune the piano beforehand, either). I'm trying to save up for some better equipment but for now this is about as good as I can produce. As for mistakes -- well, I noticed a couple in the B flat minor etude, but I know these pieces in and out and have a good ear for that stuff anyway. I guess I should be glad you didn't notice!

With the F minor etude, I was going for something between how Horowitz performs it (very staccato and punchy) and some other recordings I've heard. I like to keep the contrast between the beginning and the rest of the piece. Maybe it sounds jazzy -- hard to kick the old habits!

I agree with your comments on the B flat minor. My piano teacher told me the same thing. This is actually not the best performance I've had but it's all I have recorded. I'm working on it!

Hi pianolady,

I remember you from before but for the life of me I can't remember your name. My last name is Hudson. The dog you hear is probably my neighbors (I heard it, too). Not much I can do, really. Piano's in the living room and there are a lot of windows that let sound through, even when they're closed. Ironically, I think it kinda adds to the dreary sound at the end.

I think I need to update my profile page, how can I do that?

Thanks for all your comments!

Tristan

 

Aha. I seem to remember you played a digital so I was assuming this was one. You definitely gotta get some more bass punch for this repertoire, also achieved by playing deeper in the keys and being more expansive in the climaxes.

Haha :lol: That's probably because this was the one out of three that I did not know.

Click 'Profile' in the menu bar at the top. You must be logged in to do this.

 

Actually I'm going to blame the recorder for this. The microphones on this thing are really small and I don't think they have very good bass response. I have a 6' grand and let my hand fall pretty hard onto the bass keys, especially on the middle section of 8-2, so I dunno if it's my playing or just the cheap recording quality. I'll work on it anyway and see what happens.

Actually I was talking about the artist page on the main site. Can I just email you a new blurb and photo?

Thanks.

 

Sure, no problem. Or you can post it right here.

 

Tristan! that's my first-born's name!!!

Just wanted to weigh in and say how much I enjoyed these. The etude in b-flat minor was the best of the lot IMVHO. In any case, very nice!