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Piano Sonata No. 9, Op. 68

“Black Mass”19138 min

This guide follows Scriabin’s Piano Sonata No. 9, Op. 68 “Black Mass” (1913) in one part (sonata form).

Recording: Daniil Trifonov (piano)

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AnalysisComments
Sonata form0:29–8:29

The begins as an unsettling -based arpeggio, and the marking legendaire evokes distant, mysterious wailing that grows in force and menace. From the on, the music turns wilder and more grotesque, with markings that include and , and the opening is transformed into a . Scriabin builds towards a harsh with tolling bell sounds. The then arrives, and the closes with the original restored.

  1. :

Section boundaries in music are not always sharp; a transition may be felt over a pause or a held chord.

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BachTrio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat major, BWV 5251730HaydnSymphony No. 1 in D major, Hob. I:11759HaydnHorn Concerto in D major, Hob. VIId:31762HaydnPiano Sonata in A-flat major, Hob. XVI:461770HaydnPiano Sonata in C minor, Hob. XVI:201771HaydnString Quartet in A major, Op. 20 No. 61772HaydnString Quartet in C major, Op. 20 No. 21772HaydnString Quartet in D major, Op. 20 No. 41772HaydnString Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 20 No. 11772HaydnString Quartet in F minor, Op. 20 No. 51772

In the catalog

Alexander ScriabinPiano sonatasLate Romantic periodSonata form

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