Alexander Borodin's Scherzo in A major is a lively piece written in 1885, while Borodin was in Belgium for an early performance of his then incomplete opera Prince Igor.[ Scherzo in A-flat at allmusic] It was originally written for solo piano, but in 1889 Alexander Glazunov orchestrated it, along with the Petite Suite.Alexander Glazunov Borodin dedicated the piece to Théodore Jadoul, who made a four-hand piano arrangement of it.Book: Borodin and Liszt by A. Habets
Style The Scherzo can be recognized as one of Borodin's compositions instantaneously because of its bright tone, pounding rhythms, and exciting melodies. In the main theme of the piece a constant rhythm is used, giving it a clear beat, but unfortunately, this also makes it very challenging for the pianist due to the constant jumps required. The piece often modulates, making it more interesting and varied. Played at the correct speed, the piece only lasts around three minutes. However, this "miniature" offers an admirable summary of its composer's style.Sheet Music for Scherzo in A-flat major at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)
Recordings
The following pianists have recorded the piece:
Pianist Duration Record label Recording DateVladimir Ashkenazy[ Great Pianists of the Twentieth Century - Vladimir Ashkenazy at allmusic] 02:48 Philips Records 1983Margaret Fingerhut[ Russian Piano Music at allmusic] 02:58 Chandos Records 1985Philip Edward FisherBorodin - Complete Piano Works at Presto Classical 03:22 Chandos Records 2011Roberto Giordano[ Roberto Giordano, Piano at allmusic] 03:12 Cypress Records 2004Dirk Joeres[ Dirk Joeres plays Alexander Borodin, Emanuel Chabrier & Maurice Ravel at allmusic] 02:59 Largo Records 1986Vladimir Leyetchkiss[ Russian Reveries at allmusic] 03:15 Centaur Records 1991Sergei RachmaninoffRachmaninoff - Complete Recordings at CD Universe 02:57 RCA VictorBook: Sergei Rachmaninoff - A Lifetime in Music 1935Marco RapettiBorodin - Complete Piano Works at Presto Classical 03:21Borodin - Complete Piano Works at BrilliantClassics Brilliant Classics 2008Victor Ryabchikov[ Russian Piano Music at allmusic] 03:04 Olympia Records 1999Joseph Villa[ In Memoriam Joseph Villa, Vol. 1 at allmusic] 02:49 Dante Records 1980
Orchestration In 1889, just two years after Borodin's death, Alexander Glazunov orchestrated the Petite Suite. Glazunov's orchestration of the Suite makes the 7th movement (Finale) the Scherzo, with the Nocturne inserted inside it as a trio section. The total length of the movement is around eight minutes.Petite Suite at IMSLP - Notes SectionPetite Suite (Orchestration) at Amazon
See also List of compositions by Alexander Borodin
References
External links [ Scherzo in A-flat major] at AllMusic Scores for Scherzo in A-flat major at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) Scherzo in A-flat major played by Sergei Rachmaninoff at YouTube Scherzo in A-flat major played by Margaret Fingerhut at YouTube