Poème No. 1 (Scriabin) (Download)

in F# Major, Op. 32

Stephen Karukas

Level: Advanced

Duration: 4:00

State Lists: Florida | Indiana

Release Date: 2020

Product ID : TSPCS20-001DL

Price: $16.00

Item #: TSPCS20-001DL

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Description

Poème No. 1 is the first piece in Alexander Scriabin’s Op. 32 Deux Poemes, written in 1903. Though it was originally composed for piano, Stephen Karukas’ arrangement for solo marimba brings the piece’s intricate, overlapping melodies to the world of percussion. This piece’s gentle late romantic style allows for a heightened degree of freedom and personal expression, a side of marimba performance that is not often taken advantage of. Poeme No. 1 is a perfect piece for anyone looking to add a moment of intimacy and repose to their recital programs.

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Instrumentation

• Marimba solo (5-octave)

Reviews

Scriabin’s “Poème No. 1,” originally composed for piano, is arranged beautifully for marimba by Stephen Karukas. According to Karukas, “The piece’s gentle late Romantic style allows for a heightened degree of freedom and personal ex- pression, a side of marimba performance that is not often taken advantage of.” Though I am not sure I would agree with the latter part of that statement, I agree that Scriabin’s work allows for deep exploration of rubato, phrasing, musicality, or perhaps general artistic expression.

The A section is a beautifully delicate study in rubato and phrasing. Peaks of phrases often do not fall on downbeats—not out of the ordinary for late Romantic music, but perhaps less ordinary in marimba literature. The B section features a 5:3 polyrhythm with many dots and rests included. I would argue that due to the rhythmic complexity, this is the most difficult section of the work. The A section returns, similar—but not identical—to the beginning, followed by a similar presentation of the B section.

This piece would be an excellent selection for a university student, graduate student, or professional recital. The advanced musical ideas and rhythmic complexity are a challenge that should be gladly accepted. The end result is a beautiful piece.

—Justin Bunting
Percussive Notes
Vol. 58, No. 6, December 2020