Con eleganza

Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Alexander Scriabin with "Con eleganza," a captivating collection of his most celebrated piano works. This album, set for release on March 28, 2025, via La Dolce Volta, offers a comprehensive journey through Scriabin's masterful compositions, showcasing his unique blend of technical brilliance and deep emotional resonance.

The centerpiece of the album is Scriabin's Piano Sonata No. 3 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 23, a work that exemplifies his innovative approach to harmony and form. The sonata's four movements, ranging from the dramatic "Drammatico" to the fiery "Presto con fuoco," demonstrate Scriabin's ability to convey a wide range of moods and intensities.

In addition to the sonata, "Con eleganza" features a selection of Scriabin's Impromptus, each a miniature masterpiece of lyricism and virtuosity. These pieces, along with the haunting "Fantasie in B Minor, Op. 28" and the elegant "Waltz in A-Flat Major, Op. 38," highlight Scriabin's gift for melody and his mastery of the piano's expressive possibilities.

The album's title, "Con eleganza," is drawn from the second of Scriabin's "Two Poems, Op. 32," which is included on the disc. This piece, marked "Allegro, con eleganza, con fiducia," embodies the album's overall aesthetic, combining grace and confidence in equal measure.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, "Con eleganza" is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Scriabin's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a compelling introduction to the composer's unique vision and enduring appeal.

Alexander Scriabin, born into an aristocratic Russian family in Moscow in 1872, was a composer and pianist whose musical journey was as profound and mystical as it was innovative. Initially influenced by Frédéric Chopin, Scriabin's early works are characterized by a lyrical and tonal language. However, around 1903, his style evolved dramatically, moving towards a more dissonant and transcendent musical idiom that, while not atonal, pushed the boundaries of traditional tonality. This shift was deeply influenced by his personal metaphysics, synesthesia, and theosophy, with Scriabin associating colors with harmonic tones and creating a color-coded circle of fifths.

Scriabin's ambition extended beyond music; he was drawn to the concept of Gesamtkunstwerk, aiming to create a total work of art that engaged all the senses. His compositions, particularly from the later part of his career, are not just musical pieces but explorations of the mystical and the transcendent. Despite his complex philosophical underpinnings, Scriabin's music remains accessible and deeply emotional, making him a key figure in the Russian Silver Age and a major representative of Russian symbolism. His legacy continues to inspire and intrigue, offering a rich tapestry of sound and meaning for listeners to explore.