Scriabin: Piano Concerto / Prometheus

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Alexander Scriabin with this 1999 release from Naxos, a collection that masterfully blends the composer's most renowned works for piano and orchestra. This album features the complete Piano Concerto in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 20, a piece that showcases Scriabin's early Romantic style, filled with passion and intensity. The concerto is divided into three movements: the energetic "Allegro," the introspective "Andante," and the lively "Allegro moderato," each offering a unique glimpse into Scriabin's musical genius.

The centerpiece of this album is "Prometheus, the Poem of Fire," a symphonic work that pushes the boundaries of traditional music. Scriabin's innovative use of color and tone in this piece makes it a fascinating exploration of sound and emotion. The album also includes selections from Scriabin's "24 Preludes, Op. 11," arranged by V. Rogal-Levitsky, offering a taste of the composer's smaller-scale works that are no less profound.

Additionally, the album features "4 Pieces, Op. 51: Fragilite" and the "Piano Sonata No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 6: IV. Marche Funebre," both arranged by Rogal-Levitsky. These pieces highlight Scriabin's ability to convey deep emotional depth and complexity through his music.

With a duration of just over an hour and eight minutes, this album is a comprehensive introduction to Scriabin's orchestral and piano works. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Scriabin's compositions, this album is a treasure trove of musical brilliance that will leave you inspired and deeply moved.

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.