Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy / Salonen · The Philharmonia Orchestra (REACTION) First Time Hearing

[@LightSearch]

This piece brings me memories from a place I may have been before I was born (a bit like his 5th sonata).

[@LightSearch]

Before dieing, Scriabin was composing a piece that was meant to be played in the Himalayas and he expected that this performance would put an end to this world and lift humanity to another level of existence. He never finished it, he died because of a pimple on his lip.

[@SaeedReacts.]

Wow! What a story!

[@tonybennett4159]

I don't think that the genre of music matters, it's either good music or bad music, or maybe even at its most basic, music you like or music you don't. A lot of classical music isn't necessarily demanding, just easy on the ear. Try Shostakovich's "Romance from the Gadfly" for example.

[@SaeedReacts.]

That is well said! Thanks for watching and the recommendation.

[@thethikboy]

Ah another mad Russian - they compose the best music. Auditory opium.

[@construct3]

Scriabin published a poem along with the score. He made it very clear from the poem that he was seeking to express sexual ecstasy. Think of it as a twenty minute build up of tension and suspension, speeding up and slowing down to prolong the experience, right up to the climactic final tonic chord--the only resolution in the entire piece. If you're up for more Scriabin, I'd recommend his Sonata No. 9 "Black Mass." I think it's the most accessible of his late sonatas. I like Danil Trifonov's performance. He's plaiying in a smaller venue on a low platform to an audience of fans. I think he captures the piece perfectly. You'll recognize the thumbnail with a close-up of Trifinov in a white T-shirt and a knit cap., but just search for "Trifonov plays Scriabin Sonata No. 9 Op. 68 'Black Mass.'" You'll find it.

[@realityproof_0891]

I find ugorski to be better

[@construct3]

@@realityproof_0891 Thanks for recommending Ugorski. I just got through listening to it followed by Trifonov. I listened to Ugorski first so I could hear it with fresh ears. I had not heard it before. Ugorski has presented us with a worthy interpretation very different from what I'm used to. His careful attention to meter and sparing use of the pedal make the piece crystal clear. That clarity is helpful for understanding the details of the score. It's very easy for me to follow. Trifonov, on the other hand, takes a freer approach to tempo, more romantic perhaps. He also plays most of the piece much more quickly than Ugorski does. And his more liberal use of the pedal creates a denser, thicker tone. I suppose it really is a matter of taste. I'm glad I listened to Ugorski, and I no doubt will again. But I really prefer Trifonov's approach. It just seems to me closer to Scriabin's spirit. Again, thank you for the recommendation.