Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy, Op. 54, Prometheus, Op. 60 & Piano Sonata No. 5, Op. 53
Show recording detailsBIS-2362
Originally recorded in 2021
Classical
Orchestral & Concertos
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About
One of the boldest and most radical composers of all time, Alexander Scriabin had a lifelong obsession with occult and mystical ideas. Initially under the influence of Chopin, Wagner and Liszt, his music later became more complex, taking on an expressive power which provoked extreme reactions from audiences – of adulation as well as repulsion. Not shying away from hyperbole, Scriabin once declared: ‘I am the apotheosis of creation – I am the aim of all aims – I am the end of all ends.’ The three works featured on this release belong to Scriabin’s final compositional period where the music seems to veer between voluptuous languor and striving energy. Composed back-to-back, the Poem of Ecstasy and the Fifth Piano Sonata are drenched in bitter-sweet harmonies and carefully constructed dissonances. The scores of both works make reference to the same poem – by Scriabin himself – which ends with the lines ‘thus the universe resounds with the joyful cry: I AM!’. In his last symphonic poem, Prometheus — The Poem of Fire, Scriabin aims even higher. Here he expresses the evolution of the world from formless chaos, through the appearance of mankind, fertilized by the divine spark, towards spiritual liberation and ultimate transcendence. The unusually large orchestra and a wordless choir produces a kaleidoscope of contrasts, colors and sounds caught up in an ecstatic whirl.
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Reviews
“Poem of Ecstasy is stellar; simultaneously polished, controlled, and invigorating. It stands among the best performances for Shui’s skilled handling of the pacing and structure… In the sonata, Sudbin wins every devilish challenge the composer throws his way, keeping the lines and rhythms clean while apparently having the time of his life…”
Choc du Classica
“…Good, solid orchestral performances, very well recorded; the Sudbin sonata is a welcome bonus.”
“… the recording is superb, allowing enough space for the ever-expanding Scriabinesque universe to register, yet captivating every moment-to-moment starburst with maximum clarity.”
“… this new take [Scriabin’s Poem of Ecstasy] from Yevgeny Sudbin and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra is something special, with a full-blooded performance showcased in the best possible sound. Alexander Scriabin had a lifelong obsession with occult and mystical ideas. Initially under the influence of Chopin, Wagner and Liszt, his music later became more complex, taking on an expressive power which provoked extreme reactions from audiences – of adulation as well as repulsion. The unusually large orchestra and a wordless choir produces a kaleidoscope of contrasts, colours and sounds caught up in an ecstatic whirl.”
“… Chromatic, fragmentary and rhythmically complex scores impressively conveyed. The performances are caught in stunning SACD multi-channel sound.”
“… Shui … proves to be an imaginative conductor who spurs his orchestra and choir on to an outstanding performance. Evgeny Sudbin blends perfectly into this feverish sound…” ****
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