The concerto is scored for 2
flutes and
piccolo, 2
oboes, 2
clarinets, 2
bassoons, 4
horns, 2
trumpets, 3
trombones,
timpani,
strings, and solo piano. The work consists of three
movements, typically lasting about 28 minutes in total:
I. Allegro The main
theme is introduced by the piano and then transferred to the orchestra while the piano accompanies in octaves. :
II. Andante The second movement begins in the key of
F major which was for Scriabin "a ‘bright blue’ mystic key". It is in the form of
theme and variations. The orchestra introduces the theme. The piano enters with the first variation, accompanying the orchestra's theme with
arpeggios. The second variation is faster, marked allegro scherzando. The third variation is a slow
funeral march. The fourth variation is marked allegretto and features intricate ornamentation; the clarinet introduces the melody, and interweaves counterpoint with the soloist. The movement ends with return of the theme to the orchestra, almost identical to the first variation. :
III. Allegro moderato This movement also
develops material from the first movement. The first theme is condensed into the first two bars followed by a virtuosic arpeggio. A second, more lyrical theme then comes in A major before returning to the original F minor theme, which is soon developed vigorously. After a climax occurs where the first theme is presented yet again, the second theme comes back, this time in F major. After some short final thoughts, where there's a
modulation to A minor, the key returns to F major for a brief, but triumphant and emphatic coda, ending in three loud F major chords. : ==Recordings==