Alexander Scriabin (1872–1915) was a Russian composer and pianist. His entire life was guided, through his compositions, by a quest for the mysteries of the universe: reconnection with the cosmos, ecstasy, a transcendent state of existence. Building upon the Romantic heritage, he gradually distanced his music from his early model Frédéric Chopin to develop a completely unique and revolutionary musical language. A virtuosic pianist, thinker, and poet, Scriabin’s handwritten notes and catalogue of works offer a compelling view of individual artistic growth, as the opus numbers reveal an evolving aesthetic. His output is generally divided into three periods:

Early (WoO 1 / Op.1 - Op.28 )

A post-Romantic, quasi-modern style, still echoing Chopin but greatly expanded. There are resonances with Debussy, Wagner, and Rachmaninoff. This period is marked by blurred tonal functions through long appoggiaturas, intense chromaticism, unconventional voicings (in 4ths or 6ths), refined pedal use, and the invention or reinvention of musical forms (_P_oems, Quasi-Waltzes, 30-second études). Harmonies extend to the 13th; subject matter becomes more sensual, spiritual, and philosophical (soul awakening).

Middle (Op.29 - Op.56)

Post-romantic modern-ish style that shares similarities with Chopin but grandly extended, others composers echoes (Debussy, Wagner, Rachmaninoff), blurred tonal functions through long appogiatura, ultra-chromaticism, unconventional voicing (in 4th of 6th) and pedals, invention of new forms or extension of old one (Poems, Quasi-Waltz, 30 seconds etudes), richer chords up to the 13th, sense of longing, sensuality, spiritual subjects and philosophy (soul awakening) .

Late (Op.57 - Op.74)

A fully modern and singular style, occasionally recalling late Debussy, Schoenberg, or Berg. Tonality is dissolved through new harmonic systems (octophonic scales, Mystic Chords, whole-tone modes). One-movement sonatas, extreme pianistic writing (multiple polyphonic lines, wide ranges, abstract polyrhythms), and ambiguous or unresolved endings dominate. Thematic content explores transcendental ideas: apocalypse, the cosmos, mysterious and unknowable forces.

Scriabin’s music is vast and deeply varied, offering the listener a full spectrum of emotional states — from pure horror to total bliss — a magical portrait of our most hidden layers.

“If I offer to the world a single fragment of my benediction, it shall exult for centuries!”