The toccata genre has undergone great change since Bach’s time. Originally denoting works of recitative or improvisatory character, since the 19th century the emphasis has been on a continuous pulsating rhythm. In Prokofiev’s masterpiece, composed in 1912, this rhythm grows into a hammering motoric drive that dispenses with developed themes or motifs. That which seems fascinating and enthralling to us today came as a shock to the critics of that time. But there were also proponents such as Prokofiev’s friend Nikolai Myaskovsky, who wrote of the Toccata: “It is a fiendishly clever thing, edgy, energetic and full of personality”.

Besides the printed editions that appeared during Prokofiev’s lifetime we also had the autograph at our disposal for this Urtext edition. Yulianna Avdeeva, a master of virtuoso piano music, has been responsible for the fingerings.

Simon Morrison (Preface)

Yulianna Avdeeva (Fingering)

Fabian Czolbe (Editor)