Scriabin: Mazurkas & Sonatas

Dive into the captivating world of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin with the album "Scriabin: Mazurkas & Sonatas," performed masterfully by Dzmitry Ulasiuk. This exquisite collection, released on Centaur Records, offers a profound exploration of Scriabin's piano works, showcasing his unique blend of passion, technical brilliance, and deep emotional resonance.

The album features a complete set of Scriabin's Nine Mazurkas, Op. 25, each piece a miniature masterpiece that reflects the composer's attachment to the mazurka form, popularized by Chopin. These mazurkas are not just technical exercises but deeply expressive works that highlight Scriabin's ability to convey a wide range of moods and emotions.

In addition to the mazurkas, the album includes three of Scriabin's most significant piano sonatas: the Piano Sonata No. 5 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 53, known for its complex harmonies and innovative structure; the Piano Sonata No. 7, Op. 64, also called the "White Mass," which is richly contrapuntal and melancholic; and the Piano Sonata No. 9, Op. 68, the "Black Mass," a work that pushes the boundaries of tonality and form.

Dzmitry Ulasiuk's performance brings out the intricacies and depth of Scriabin's compositions, making this album a treasure for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to Scriabin's work. The album's duration of one hour provides a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Scriabin's piano repertoire, making it an essential addition to any classical music collection.

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.