One of Yevgeny Sudbin’s earliest successes as an up-and-coming star of the BIS label was a recital of solo piano works by Scriabin. That was in 2007, and it was a bold statement of his affinity for Scriabin’s intensely original post-romantic mysticism. Now, almost twenty years on, he has returned to Scriabin with an even more compelling collection, headlined by the incendiary “poeme” Vers la flamme, Op. 72, that was the culmination of the composer’s life’s work.
Why such a long wait for more Scriabin? Sudbin doesn’t have much to say on the point. In a recent interview with Gramophone Magazine, he spoke enthusiastically about his love of the repertoire, and his desire to record more Scriabin – if the market reception justifies the effort! In any case, this is certainly a welcome return.
The choice of works here is along the same lines as Sudbin’s previous recital: a kaleidoscope selection of pieces representing all the stages of Scriabin’s work. From the short pieces of the 1890s – selections from the 12 Études, Op. 8 and 24 Preludes, Op. 11 – through the rising ecstasies of Piano Sonata No. 4 in F-Sharp Major from the early 1900s, and on to the fiery transcendence of the Sonata No. 10, Op. 70 and Vers la flamme in 1913-14.
It’s a brilliant programme, presenting the full breadth of Scriabin’s genius. Sudbin’s performance is a tour de force, full of virtuosity, mystical atmosphere, an astonishing range of tonal coloration, all in the service of a detailed emotional architecture that gets to the heart of the music.
Production quality is spectacular, BIS engineers give us vivid sonics with just enough distance and space to give full measure to Sudbin’s remarkable expressive range and dynamics. Highly recommended!
Quick Comparisons
- Daniil Trifonov, Scriabin Etudes Op. 42 No. 5 (on “Silver Age”, Deutsche Grammophon, 2000): Trifonov is a fine pianist of a younger generation, but in this early period Scriabin he sounds like a technique-focused hack beside Sudbin’s magical poetry… compare to the melodic sweep and story-telling arc of the latter’s performance.
- Sonata No. 9, Op. 68 “Black Mass” – a highlight of Sudbin’s first Scriabin collection (BIS, 2007): the playing is not quite as shaped or emotionally expansive as on the new album, and the recording perspective is less focused… but still a landmark recording you must hear.
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