Khachaturian wrote a total of five etudes for solo piano, each one showcasing a different aspect of technical and musical mastery. These etudes were composed between 1936 and 1943 and are considered some of the most challenging pieces in the piano repertoire. Each etude is a self-contained piece, but together they form a cohesive set that demonstrates Khachaturian's innovative approach to piano writing.
Who it’s for
The collection is designed for students moving beyond the beginner level, around the time they might be exploring sonatinas and the music of Bach. With ten diverse pieces, it’s a wonderful way to build technique and musicianship.
From the first bar, the right hand is tasked with an unbroken stream of 16th notes. This is not a simple scale. Khachaturian uses wide leaps, repeated notes, and double-note passages (thirds and sixths) at breakneck speed. The melody emerges from the top notes of this rolling figure, requiring the pianist to voice the pinky finger above a roaring accompaniment within the same hand.
The next day, Emma stepped onto the stage, her heart pounding in her chest. She took her seat at the piano and began to play. The music flowed from her like a river, carrying her and her audience on a journey of sound and emotion. When she finished, the audience erupted into applause, and Emma knew that she had truly mastered Khachaturian's Etude No. 5.
If you're looking for a PDF of the full score of Khachaturian's Etude No. 5, here are a few suggestions:
: The piece features persistent sixteenth-note patterns that mimic the feeling of constant, bustling activity.
Khachaturian's "Etude No. 5" from "Pictures of Childhood," often called "Ivan is Very Busy," is a high-energy piece for intermediate pianists, focusing on rapid staccato and consistent, light articulation. This piece from the 1947 collection challenges players with close hand positioning, continuous movement, and a playful, frantic character.