Do You Think Scriabin is Underrated?

[Dancing Divertimentian]

In my younger days, I toyed with the idea of orchestrating the Ninth Sonata, but almost immediately - upon looking at my score of it - I saw all kinds of problematic questions, even on the opening page  (e.g. the descending figure in the left hand in bars 5-7, which adds a note every time it appears, from 3 16th-notes to 6 32nd-notes: should those resonate or not, and if so, for how long?).  To be sure, the problems are not insoluble, but... 

I don't play an instrument, nor read music professionally, but the daunting task of just where to put all those scurrying, half-lit notes would put my head into some kind of warp! Oh wait!

[Cato]

I don't play an instrument, nor read music professionally, but the daunting task of just where to put all those scurrying, half-lit notes would put my head into some kind of warp! Oh wait!

In spite of those difficulties, Alexander Nemtin orchestrated certain piano pieces in a work called Nuances, and also included some orchestrated piano works by Scriabin in his realization of the Prefatory Action.

[relm1]

In spite of those difficulties, Alexander Nemtin orchestrated certain piano pieces in a work called Nuances, and also included some orchestrated piano works by Scriabin in his realization of the Prefatory Action.

I very much enjoy Nemtin's orchestration of Nuances as well as the multi CD Prefatory Act of Mysterium on the same release.  It's probably tbe best, most complete version we will ever hear of what might have been.  I think it is very successful. 

[The Six]

Scriabin seems to be mostly just an internet favorite. I've rarely seen his music programmed outside of piano competitions, and he's not played on the radio much. I think a lot of people who are only casual listeners of classical music don't even know who he is.

[Uhor]

Mature Scriabin doesn't develop and doesn't have any "good tunes", what is left is some kind of motivic teasing in the midst of changing textures and harmonic fields ultimately building to a climax.

The thing is, either you dig that or not.

[relm1]

Scriabin seems to be mostly just an internet favorite. I've rarely seen his music programmed outside of piano competitions, and he's not played on the radio much. I think a lot of people who are only casual listeners of classical music don't even know who he is.

I've seen Poem of Ecstasy performed multiple times (especially by visiting Russian orchestras).  I've seen his massive Mysterium performed as well so he does get played quite a bit.  The first three symphonies though, don't seem to interest music directors as much as the later stuff.

[André]

Mature Scriabin doesn't develop and doesn't have any "good tunes", what is left is some kind of motivic teasing in the midst of changing textures and harmonic fields ultimately building to a climax.

The thing is, either you dig that or not.

I like your description, as well as your concluding statement. I'm still trying to figure if I enjoy it or not.

[Ken B]

Mature Scriabin doesn't develop and doesn't have any "good tunes", what is left is some kind of motivic teasing in the midst of changing textures and harmonic fields ultimately building to a climax.

The thing is, either you dig that or not.

I like early scriabin. He was very underrated by the man who became later scriabin...

[Dancing Divertimentian]

I like early scriabin. He was very underrated by the man who became later scriabin...

Sure, but the later works are where scriabin becomes Scriabin.....

[The Six]

I like early scriabin. He was very underrated by the man who became later scriabin...

Later Scriabin continued to perform the works of early Scriabin quite a bit.

[Ghost of Baron Scarpia]

He's rated just fine.

[ritter]

He's rated just fine.

Exactly...

[relm1]

What are your thoughts of Mysterium?