Alexander Scriabin ‒ 2 Nocturnes, Op.5

Alexander Scriabin (1872 - 1915), 2 Nocturnes, Op.5 (1890) Performed by Gordon Fergus-Thompson 00:00 - No. 1 Andante in F-sharp minor 03:17 - No. 2 Allegretto in A major Considering Scriabin’s long-standing ‘love affair’ with Chopin’s music, it is surprising that he should have written so few nocturnes. Indeed, the Two Nocturnes Op 5, written in 1890, have only the faintest suggestion of reflective ‘night music’ and could as easily have been titled ‘impromptus’ or ‘poems’. Both pieces display an increased sensuousness and rhythmic freedom together with a more confident and daring use of harmony. Scriabin would write only one other nocturne, the second of his Two Pieces for Left Hand Op 9 (his later Poème-nocturne Op 61 being far more ‘poème’ than ‘nocturne’).