Description

The toccata genre has undergone significant transformation since Bach's era. Originally denoting works of recitative or improvisatory character, the toccata has since the 19th century emphasized a continuous, pulsating rhythm. In Prokofiev's 1912 masterpiece, this rhythm develops into a relentless, motoric drive that dispenses with elaborate themes or motifs. What captivates and enthralls us today shocked the critics of that time. However, Prokofiev's friend Nikolai Myaskovsky praised the work, describing the Toccata as "a fiendishly clever thing, edgy, energetic and full of personality."

For this Urtext edition, we had access not only to the published scores from Prokofiev's lifetime, but also the composer's autograph manuscript. Yulianna Avdeeva, a virtuoso pianist, has provided the fingerings.