Alexander Scriabin – Sheet Music

Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin (1872-1915) was an important Russian pianist and composer, who bridged the gap between the late romantic and classical modern periods, leading the way for an emerging generation of Russian modernist composers. Browse our sheet music and scores, and explore the wide world of Scriabin with Stretta Music today!

His Life

Scriabin came from an aristocratic, wealthy military family. Due to his weak physical condition, he was spared military training, and was able to dedicate his time to music. Despite failing his composition studies, he graduated from the Moscow Conservatoire in 1892 with distinction as a pianist. He spent much of the early part of the 20th century in Western Europe performing as a pianist and conductor. In most of his piano concerts, he played solely his own compositions.

His Philosophy

Scriabin was interested in all art forms and philosophy. His work is influenced by both Expressionism and Impressionism. His experience with Russian Symbolist painters and poets, and his tireless study of philosophy led Scriabin to unusual conclusions about the purpose of art, and to attempt to unite all the arts.

In his 1910 symphony ’Prometheus’, Scriabin attempts to unite symphonic and choral music, and he introduces the use of colour and light effects to broaden the art form. In his unfinished composition “Mysterium”, Scriabin intended a definitive synthesis of all art forms. To this purpose, he bought a plot of land in the Indian rain forest, on which this huge work was to be performed by many thousands of performers, representing all of humanity. The work remained unfinished until after Scriabin’s death, when Alexander Nemtin used his sketches to complete the work.

His Work

Scriabin’s work is quite extensive, and is dominated by piano and orchestral music. He wanted to move away from classical tonality, and began to introduce free tonality, using extreme alterations to blur of the boundaries between consonance and dissonance. Scriabin’s tonal and harmonic experiments became a powerful inspiration for the next generation of Soviet and international composers. His most frequently performed works include his piano etudes, Scriabin’s Sonatas, his Piano Concerto and his four symphonies.

Related Links

• Orchestral Works – by A. Scriabin
• Piano Pieces – by A. Scriabin
• Sheet Music Downloads – by A. Scriabin
• The Romantic Period – Sheet Music
• The Classical Modern Period – Sheet Music
• Choral Symphonies – Sheet Music