Backdrop image for movie Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy

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.

  • Documentary

Top billed cast

  • Photo of Hermann NitschHermann NitschHimself
  • Photo of Vladimir HorowitzVladimir HorowitzHimself
  • Photo of Vladimir AshkenazyVladimir AshkenazyHimself
  • Photo of Alexander ScriabinAlexander ScriabinHimself
  • Photo of Mikhail PletnevMikhail PletnevHimself
  • Photo of Sergei RachmaninoffSergei RachmaninoffHimself
  • Photo of Ivan WyschnegradskyIvan WyschnegradskyHimself
  • Photo of Eduard ArtemyevEduard ArtemyevHimself

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