Dive into the captivating world of early 20th-century classical music with Alexander Scriabin's "Early Piano Works," a mesmerizing collection of 19 tracks released in 2001 under the Hyperion label. This album showcases the prodigious talent of Russian composer and pianist Alexander Scriabin, who, before 1903, was deeply influenced by the romantic elegance of Frédéric Chopin.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, the album is a testament to Scriabin's early creative genius, featuring a diverse range of compositions that include sonatas, valses, nocturnes, mazurkas, etudes, and more. The tracklist is a journey through Scriabin's early works, from the passionate "Piano Sonata in E-Flat Minor: I. Allegro appassionato" to the delicate "Nocturne in A-Flat Major, WoO 3," and the intricate "12 Etudes, Op. 8: No. 12 in D-Sharp Minor. Patetico (Alternative Version)."
Stephen Coombs, the pianist behind this rendition, brings a nuanced and expressive performance that highlights the depth and complexity of Scriabin's compositions. The album is a perfect introduction to Scriabin's early works, offering a glimpse into the evolution of his unique musical language. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Scriabin's music, this album is a rewarding exploration of one of the most innovative composers of the early 20th century.