Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy (1996)
Alexander Scriabin (1872–1915) born in Moscow, was an innovative, mystical, avant-garde Russian pianist and composer. This film explores Scriabin’s profound vision of art's unity — where music, movement, light and colour merge to create transcendent experiences. Some claim Scriabin pioneered atonality before Schoenberg. Key works: Poème, Op. 32 No. 1 (1903) and Vers la flamme, Op. 72 (1914). Featuring commentary from esteemed musicians like Eduard Artemyev, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Vladimir Horowitz, Artist: Hermann Nitsch, conductor Mikhail Pletnev and insights from Scriabin’s daughter: Marina Scriabine, this documentary offers a unique glimpse into the life and works of one of music’s most enigmatic figures. Shot across stunning locales in Switzerland, Italy and Russia, enriched with Scriabin’s own writings and rare archival materials. The highlight includes a historic recording of Scriabin himself, playing his Poem Op. 32 No. 1 on a Welte Mignon player-piano, recorded in 1908.
Cast
- Hermann Nitsch - Himself
- Vladimir Horowitz - Himself
- Vladimir Ashkenazy - Himself
- Alexander Scriabin - Himself
- Mikhail Pletnev - Himself
- Sergei Rachmaninoff - Himself
- Ivan Wyschnegradsky - Himself
- Eduard Artemyev - Himself
Keywords
classical, music documentary, russian, avantgarde
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy about?
- Alexander Scriabin (1872–1915) born in Moscow, was an innovative, mystical, avant-garde Russian pianist and composer. This film explores Scriabin’s profound vision of art's unity — where music, movement, light and colour merge to create transcendent experiences. Some claim Scriabin pioneered atonality before Schoenberg. Key works: Poème, Op. 32 No. 1 (1903) and Vers la flamme, Op. 72 (1914). Featuring commentary from esteemed musicians like Eduard Artemyev, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Vladimir Horowitz, Artist: Hermann Nitsch, conductor Mikhail Pletnev and insights from Scriabin’s daughter: Marina Scriabine, this documentary offers a unique glimpse into the life and works of one of music’s most enigmatic figures. Shot across stunning locales in Switzerland, Italy and Russia, enriched with Scriabin’s own writings and rare archival materials. The highlight includes a historic recording of Scriabin himself, playing his Poem Op. 32 No. 1 on a Welte Mignon player-piano, recorded in 1908.
- Who directed Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy?
- Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy was directed by Oliver Becker.
- Who stars in Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy?
- Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy stars Hermann Nitsch, Vladimir Horowitz, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Alexander Scriabin, Mikhail Pletnev, Sergei Rachmaninoff.
- How long is Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy?
- Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy has a runtime of 58m (58 minutes).
- What genre is Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy?
- Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy is a Documentary film.
- Where was Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy produced?
- Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy was produced in Germany.