BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Music Feature

Music

Music: Classical

Programmes exploring music and music-related subjects

Music Feature: Scriabin: A Life in Colour

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Scriabin: A Life in Colour

21/08/2010

BBC Radio 3 - Music Feature, Scriabin: A Life in Colour

Peggy Reynolds explores the life and music of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin.

Peggy Reynolds explores the life and music of Russian composer, pianist, mystic and philosopher Alexander Scriabin. With contributions from Gerard McBurney and Vladimir Ashkenazy.

The extraordinary music and story of the Russian composer, pianist, mystic and philosopher. With contributions from Gerard McBurney, Simon Morrison and pianist and conductor, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Peggy Reynolds enters the mystical world and the languid rich harmonies of Alexander Scriabin. 

At the turn of the twentieth century this remarkable figure's music and ideals challenged the very nature of individual and musical expression. His compositional technique and style evolved extraordinarily during of his life - his early piano pieces, reflect his adoration of Chopin, they are romantic and fresh while his later compositions explore new reaches and innovations in harmony. His ten piano sonatas are staples of the piano repertoire, and his miniature piano pieces are considered masterpieces of 20th century pianism.
Scriabin loved to discuss philosophy and became enthralled by the theosophy movement of Madam Blavatsky. He was convinced that he was destined to produce an all-consuming work of art - an apocalyptic work of cosmic proportions which would transfigure mankind and its universe. The unrealised Mysterium (Final Mystery) which would embrace music, sound; colour and light; dance; fires, incense, perfumes; tastes, pain and other tactile experiences. Scriabin's works from 1902 until his death in1914 were all influenced by his this vision. 
His orchestra works include the Divine Poem (1903), the Poem of Ecstasy (1907), and the Poem of Fire or Prometheus (1909) a multi-sensory work for which Scriabin orchestrated a part for colour keyboard which was to project a constantly evolving stream of colours as the visuals to the sonic portion of the score. 

Music includes:

Symphony No. 3, Op. 43, Le Poème Divin
Etude in C sharp minor Op.2, No. 2 
4 Pieces Op 51, No. 3
Le Poème de l'extase, Op. 54 
Prelude Op. 11, No. 14
Piano Sonata No. 9 Messe Noire, Op. 68
Prelude in B Op. 2, No. 2
Piano Sonata No. 10, Op. 70
Promethée: Le Poème du Feu Op. 60
Vers la flamme, Op. 72 
5 Preludes Op. 74, Nos. 3 & 5.

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Music Feature

Scriabin: A Life in Colour

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 3

About BBC Radio 3