The Scriabin Mystery

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of visionary composer Alexander Scriabin with this captivating collection of his piano works, performed by the acclaimed French pianist Vincent Larderet. "The Scriabin Mystery" offers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of Scriabin's unique style, from his early post-Romantic compositions influenced by Chopin and Liszt to his pioneering modernist works of the 20th century.

This album presents a diverse range of Scriabin's output, including etudes, preludes, sonatas, and other piano pieces that showcase his distinctive blend of esoteric mysticism, ethereal pianism, and progressive harmonic techniques. Highlights include the enigmatic "Piano Sonata No. 9, Op. 68 'Black Mass'" and the evocative "Vers la flamme, Op. 72 'Poème'."

Vincent Larderet's masterful interpretations bring Scriabin's intricate and often challenging compositions to vivid life, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. With a duration of 1 hour and 25 minutes, this album is a testament to Scriabin's enduring influence and Larderet's exceptional artistry. Released on September 23, 2022, by AVIE Records, "The Scriabin Mystery" is a fitting tribute to one of the most fascinating and innovative composers of the late Romantic and early modernist eras.

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.