Facing Alexander Scriabin (Died on April 27, 1915)
by Hermione Lai April 27th, 2026 In all my years of playing the piano, there is only one composer whose music I consider terrifying. And that composer is Alexander Scriabin . In his early sonatas, there are still gestures to hold on to, but as you move further along, all familiarity disappears. Alexander Scriabin Chords become alien, textures are all over the place, and the music doesn’t breathe in regular phrases. It’s almost like getting seriously lost. How can you communicate something that can’t be grasped? No Place to Hide The harmonic language expresses colours and metaphysical visions, not really something you can handle in the practice room. And I can’t even imagine having to memorise the music. I’ve heard it said that pianists need a kind of vulnerability to perform his music, as it is impossible to hide behind structure or tradition. I think it’s time I confront my demon. So, to commemorate Scriabin’s death on 27 April 1915, let’s have a quick guide to his ...