Album insights
The Mazurka derives its name from the Polish region of Masovia, where the dance originated. Although it initially came from Paris to Moscow in 1810, it was Chopin who transformed the Mazurka into an art form based on folk dance. Skryabin revered Chopin's music from an early age, making Chopin his primary source of inspiration. Skryabin, the most prolific among Russian composers who embraced the Mazurka, drew influence from Balakirev, Glinka, Tchaikovsky, and Borodin. The Russian Mazurka's character held significance for Skryabin's work. Skryabin, known affectionately as Sascha as a child, was exposed to music early on through his young uncles, who studied at the military academy and played various instruments during their Saturday home music sessions, often focusing on dances.
Mazurkas were a highlight at balls in Russia, as described in works by Lermontov, Pushkin, Tolstoy, Turgenev, and Chekhov. Liszt described the Mazurka as a pivotal element in intimate romantic scenes, symbolizing life's destiny and heartfelt promises. The Polish dance's essence was preserved in Russia with some modifications. The dramatic and characterful Mazurka is now danced in a more refined manner compared to the 19th century. The dance, often performed in a circle, is characterized by challenging footsteps and heel-clicking rhythms in a triple meter, reflecting various original Mazurka styles. Skryabin integrated the essence of dance into his music throughout his life. He explored Mazurkas and waltzes in his youth, creating dance-inspired pieces, including a vast collection of Mazurkas in his later compositions. Skryabin's op. 3 and op. 25 marked the beginning and end of his first creative period, showcasing his evolving compositional techniques.
Opus 3 captivates with vibrant colors and spontaneous imagination, while opus 25 displays rich chromatic harmonies and contrapuntal textures reflecting Skryabin's advanced composition skills. These works marked a transitional phase in Skryabin's life and artistic journey. The Mazurkas within these compositions highlight intricate harmonies, delicate melodies, and evolving tonalities typical of Skryabin's unique style. During this period, Skryabin was in a phase of personal transformation and philosophical introspection, which significantly influenced his evolving musical language. Skryabin's op. 40 pieces, crafted during the peak of his middle creative period, demonstrate a departure from traditional tonality and an exploration of new expressive realms.
The opus 40 Mazurkas showcase Skryabin's progression towards abstraction and spiritualization in his music, setting the stage for his later groundbreaking works. These works exhibit elements of a mature composer while exploring innovative tonal and harmonic landscapes. Skryabin's interpretation of the Mazurka reflects a distinct artistic vision, foreshadowing later abstract movements in art. These Mazurkas from 1889, published posthumously in 1947, embody the refinement and complexity characteristic of Skryabin's later compositions, highlighting his continual artistic growth and exploration of new musical territories.