Étude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12 (Scriabin)

The opening of Étude Op. 8, No. 12 features large jumps in left hand part.

Étude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8 No. 12, is an étude for piano composed by Alexander Scriabin in 1894. It features many technical challenges, including treacherous stretches with intervals up to an eleventh, numerous jumps in the left hand, repetitive chord strikes, and abundant octaves. It is a particular favorite among pianists and audiences alike. This piece was a favorite encore of Vladimir Horowitz.

Technique

The dramatic motive and moving recitative of the solo in the upper voices on the chordal background is characteristic of Scriabin's early creations. The typical tempo for the piece is around 100-112 bpm. The right hand is always playing octaves except for the piece's ending. Similarly, the left hand is continually jumping around until the final chord is struck.

External links

• Performed by Alexander Scriabin himself^Proof?
• A performance by Alfred Cortot
• A performance by Vladimir Horowitz
• A performance by Evgeny Kissin
• A rare performance of the second version (with score), pianinst unknown
• Free scores by Etudes Op.8 at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)