“In 1903, Alexander Scriabin composed four preludes for piano solo with the opus number 33. In 2011, Theo Verbey arranged these short piano pieces for hobo, violin, viola and cello. The first prelude of opus 33 has a hesitating character with a main melody in the oboe, and the strings playing the accompaniment.  The second prelude has the designation vagamente and has an uncertain character. The third contrasts strongly with the previous two with an abrupt and insistent atmosphere. Scriabin added the indication con collera (= with anger). The fourth and last has the indications ardito, meaning boldly, and bellicoso, which means bellicose. The speed of this fourth prelude has been increased through the use of five beats in the measure.

The arrangement has been entirely based on the combination of the four instruments, incorporating all the characteristics that hobo, violin, viola and violoncello have individually. Every association with the piano as an instrument is gone, so that an almost entirely new piece is created.”

– Theo Verbey