The 24 Preludes Op.11 are among the best of Scriabin's early works. They resemble Chopin's 24 Preludes in number, length, and in key relationships. Both Scriabin and Chopin begin in C Major and progress to the relative minor keys through the circle of fifths until the 24th Prelude in D minor. But the similarities end here and the distinct genius of Scriabin is revealed. The comparison of the Op. 74 Preludes and the earlier Op. 11 show an astonishing musical evolution. The contrast between the two sets of preludes is so great as to make one believe that two different composers had written them. How amazing that the lyrical, romantic, Chopinesque Op. 11 Preludes could have been created by the same man who wrote the sparse, bleak, almost atonal Schoenbergian Preludes Op. 74.

Ruth Laredo