Scriabin: Artist and Mystic

by Boris de Schlœzer, Nicolas Slonimsky (Translator), Marina Scriabine (Introduction)

Depicts the life of the Russian composer, Alexander Scriabin, and examines the influence of his mystical beliefs on his music.

Genres: Music, Russia

334 pages, Hardcover

First published June 25, 1987

Reviews

[John Zobolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think of this book not as a biography in the strict sense, but more like a philosophical essay written about the artistic actions, work and intellectual thinking of Scriabin. It will get you deep into Scriabin so do not take it lightly, it's a serious read that needs its time. It was written by a close friend of his (Boris de Schlœzer) who also happened to be very critical, knowledgable and a true thinker (as Scriabin was). Sometimes the text may be somewhat repetitive, but the outstanding articulation of the writer and his general effort to rationalize and systematize Scriabin's thought, saves it. For the aforementioned reasons, I would only recommend this book to serious/dedicated readers.

In contrast, the biography of Rachmaninoff by Sergei Bertensson (who was Scriabin's friend and contemporary, and whose music has received more popularity) is a more gentle, easy-going and enjoyable read.

[Krysti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, Scriabin was a little crazy in my point of view after reading this book. Just the fact that he believed with his "Mysterium" work he could bring about the end of the world and the unification and transfiguration of every single human soul....all by himself! umm, yeah, basically he thought he was God.

[The Literary Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing, easy to read and follow. A comprehensive biography of Scriabin with particular emphasis on how he felt about individual works. A tremendous gift to anyone who likes to play or listen to Scriabin's compositions.