The Devil Visits Ivan (for piano)

I recently read Dostoevsky's masterpiece The Brothers Karamazov for the second time. My first reading was over 15 years ago; this second reading was an infinitely richer and more powerful experience, as is usually the case when rereading a work deserving of its status as a classic. I was struck by many scenes — far too many to mention — but one in particular (for whatever reason) sent me to the piano. The scene in question was the one in Book 11 where Ivan is apparently visited by the devil in his home. This suave though down-at-heel apparition taunts Ivan about his beliefs (or lack thereof), and is the cause (or an effect?) of Ivan starting to lose his grip on reality. My composition is brief, but I feel it may lead to a larger work on this theme; a Karamazov suite, perhaps ... we shall see.

You will receive a PDF of this score to print at home.

Click to listen on YouTube

Key: F minor
Duration: 1'20
Grade/level: 6 / late intermediate
2 pages. 30 bars.