Study of Alexander Scriabin's etudes

[phil13]

Op.8 is the 'Romantic Chopinesque' set, Op.42 the 'Middle Period Modernism' set, Op.65 the 'Scriabin Quasi-Atonality' set.

There are 26 etudes, when including Op.2 No.1, Op.49 No.1 and Op.56 No.4 besides these three sets.

I have a plethora of questions about them:

1. How would one go about learning the entire collection? Is there a prescribed learning order?

2. Which three or four would be considered the easiest?

3. Which three or four would be considered the hardest?

4. Which ones are played too often while the others go neglected?

5. Is there any particular combination of etudes in which one's prescribed technique can unlock that of another? (i.e. I have been told that the jumps and stretches of Op.8 No.12 provide a step towards the much harder Op.42 No.5)

6. Which ones are useful for events like competitions and college auditions?

Thank you so much,

Phil

[phil13]

...bueller...bueller...

Phil

[franz_]

I have a plethora of questions about them:

1. How would one go about learning the entire collection? Is there a prescribed learning order?
My teacher recorded a disc with the complete etudes. You just have to start. No. 1, 2, 3,...

2. Which three or four would be considered the easiest?
Op. 2 Nr. 1, Op. 8 Nr. 5, ...

3. Which three or four would be considered the hardest?
Op. 65, Op. 8 Nr. 9 Op. 8 Nr. 10,...

4. Which ones are played too often while the others go neglected?
Op. 8 Nr. 12 is played to often, but still beautiful, Op. 8 Nr. 1, Op. 49 Nr. 1, Op. 8 Nr. 9 are beautiful but less played

5. Is there any particular combination of etudes in which one's prescribed technique can unlock that of another? (i.e. I have been told that the jumps and stretches of Op.8 No.12 provide a step towards the much harder Op.42 No.5)
Don't know. I just studied Op. 8 Nr. 5, Op. 8 Nr. 12 and I'm now learning Op. 8 Nr. 1

6. Which ones are useful for events like competitions and college auditions?
Op. 65, a bunch of Op. 42 and Op. 8 Nr. 9 or 10.

Thank you so much,

Phil

[phil13]

when you say a bunch of Op.42, franz_, are there specific ones you're referring to?

Phil

[dnephi]

42 #5 is my favorite, but I really like 8 #12, but 8#12 is played more often and 42#5 is not hackneyed due perhaps to its higher difficulty. 
From a college professor (my teacher), most of those who audition play pieces that are too hard for them or that they are just not ready for or aren't well-seasoned.  She has judged many times and what is most important is playing very well, technically, musically, and artistically, and so you shouldn't play what you think would be a more impressive piece, but think perhaps about playing a less impressive piece at a higher level. 
Not to say that you can't, but just saying that it is a very common issue with students who apply to universities and competitions that really puts them down.

Good luck.

[phil13]

42 #5 is my favorite, but I really like 8 #12, but 8#12 is played more often and 42#5 is not hackneyed due perhaps to its higher difficulty. 
From a college professor (my teacher), most of those who audition play pieces that are too hard for them or that they are just not ready for or aren't well-seasoned.  She has judged many times and what is most important is playing very well, technically, musically, and artistically, and so you shouldn't play what you think would be a more impressive piece, but think perhaps about playing a less impressive piece at a higher level. 
Not to say that you can't, but just saying that it is a very common issue with students who apply to universities and competitions that really puts them down.

Good luck.

This is what I have heard countless times over and over, and I wholeheartedly agree with it. I just wish to know which ones- if any- to avoid.

Phil

[dnephi]

8 No. 8 is very emotional and nostalgic.  It's not nearly as difficult as some of the others.