Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915)
Russian concert pianist and composer. From Chopinesque Romanticism to bold harmonies, a highly innovative melodic and harmonic style, and at times near atonality. Mystically inclined and mentally unstable.
"My Tenth Sonata is a sonata of insects. Insects are born from the sun...they are the sun's kisses...How unified world-understanding is when you look at things this way."
"I am nothing, I'm play, I am freedom, I am life.
I am the boundary, I am the peak...I am God!"
"I will come to dazzle you with the marvel of enchantment repeated; I will bring you the magic thrill of scorching love and unimagined caresses. Surrender to me in all faith!"
"My god and idol... I loved him to distraction... charming elegance, the air of fine breeding... Lucidly serene and restfully calm... not only a composer, but an occasion for perpetual congratulation, a personified festival and triumph of Russian culture."
Best known works: Fifth Symphony, Prometheus, The Poem of Fire, piano sonatas, preludes.