4 Preludes by Alexander Scriabin (Simon Farintosh, guitar)

Sheet Music: Transcribed for guitar by Simon Farintosh. Audio & Video: Drew Henderson Guitar: 2015 Glenn Canin Strings: Oasis GPX Claro HT 0:00 Prelude in E Major, Op. 11, No. 9 - Andantino The luxurious soundscape of this prelude foreshadows the evolution of Scriabin’s complex harmonic language. While inscribed as ‘E Major,’ this prelude avoids the tonic harmony until its final cadence. The descending bass melody strongly implies the tonality of C-sharp Minor, but is clouded by gently cascading block chords in the major mode. This harmonic effect lends the piece a distinctive tone colour, complimented by the use of 7th, 9th, 11th, and 13th chords. The composer’s reverence for Frederic Chopin is apparent here, as the mazurka rhythms, wide ritardandi and accelerandi, and liberal use of rubato are all common features of Chopin’s Nocturnes.