The fourth in a cycle of 10 sonatas, this one dates from 1903, when the composer was in his early 30s. As a pianist with an active performing career, Scriabin had a repertoire that leaned toward the early Romantics: Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Liszt. Before long, his own works began to gain an audience and came to dominate his recital programs. He wrote this work in a rush of activity during the summer of 1903. The music is complemented by an unpublished example of Scriabin's linguistically over-charged poetry, in which a superhuman, god-like being is enticed by a distant star which he flies towards and blissfully engulfs. The two movements follow the poem's teleological form in one of Scriabin's earliest attempts to create a state of ecstasy, symbolized by 'flight'
In a light mist, transparent vapour Lost afar and yet distinct A star gleams softly.
O bring me to thee, far distant star! Bathe me in trembling rays Sweet light!
How beautiful! The bluish mystery Of her glow beckons me, cradles me.
Toward thee, created freely for me To serve the end My flight of liberation!
Classical Music | Piano Music
Alexander Scriabin
Piano Sonata No. 4 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 30 Play
Recorded on 03/05/2014, uploaded on 08/21/2014
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
The fourth in a cycle of 10 sonatas, this one dates from 1903, when the composer was in his early 30s. As a pianist with an active performing career, Scriabin had a repertoire that leaned toward the early Romantics: Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Liszt. Before long, his own works began to gain an audience and came to dominate his recital programs. He wrote this work in a rush of activity during the summer of 1903. The music is complemented by an unpublished example of Scriabin's linguistically over-charged poetry, in which a superhuman, god-like being is enticed by a distant star which he flies towards and blissfully engulfs. The two movements follow the poem's teleological form in one of Scriabin's earliest attempts to create a state of ecstasy, symbolized by 'flight'
In a light mist, transparent vapour
Lost afar and yet distinct
A star gleams softly.
O bring me to thee, far distant star!
Bathe me in trembling rays
Sweet light!
How beautiful! The bluish mystery
Of her glow
beckons me, cradles me.
Toward thee, created freely for me
To serve the end
My flight of liberation!
Yury Shadrin
More music by Alexander Scriabin
Etude No. 12 in d-sharp minor Op. 8
Prelude Op 11 N° 4
Prelude Op 16 N° 4
Etude No. 12 in d-sharp minor, Op. 8
"Three Etudes" op. 65, no.3
Prelude Op.11, No.1
Etude in d-sharp minor, Op. 8 No. 12
Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1
Prelude Op.11, No.14
Etude in c-sharp minor, Op. 2, No. 1
Performances by same musician(s)
Sonata for Cello and Piano in d minor, Op. 40
Meditation, from 18 Pieces, Op.72
Le Grand Tango for Cello and Piano
Capriccio in d minor, Op. 116, No. 1, from Seven Fantasies
Intermezzo in a minor, Op. 116, No. 2, from Seven Fantasies
Capriccio in g minor, Op. 116, No. 3, from Seven Fantasies
Intermezzo in E Major, Op. 116, No. 4, from Seven Fantasies
Waltz in F Major, Op.34, No.3
Valse Op. 70, No. 1 in G-flat Major
Valse in c-sharp minor op. 64 no. 2
Classical Music for the Internet Era™
Courtesy of International Music Foundation.