Scriabin, a Biography

by Faubion Bowers

This definitive biography of Alexander Scriabin (1871–1915), newly revised and updated by the author, incorporates many confessional letters and personal reminiscences in a vivid, highly personal portrait of the controversial Russian composer. One of the visionary pioneers who sought a new musical language — at least a full decade before the advances of Stravinsky and Schoenberg — Scriabin immersed himself in a search for a way to express, in sound, the mystical and theosophical ideals that obsessed him.
This monumental biography probes the complexities of the composer's personal revolution as it chronicles the turbulent events of his upbringing, marital life, and his tours of Europe and America, abandonment of his wife, brushes with homosexuality and madness, and the flowering of an unrealized vision to synthesize all of art and life in an all-encompassing final work. Originally published in two volumes, the work is republished here in one volume unabridged, complete with a catalog of Scriabin's works and 49 rare photographs.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Russia

636 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 1996

Reviews

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best. Biography. Ever.

[Bakunin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an ok biography. I wanted a bit more out of it but I guess you get an overall impression of who the Russian composer Scriabin was from reading it.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only finished the first volume from my university's library, but this is one hell of a biography, one of the best on musical composers. It's a pity I can't find any e-book of it. There's many beautiful passages that miraculously captures the ecstasy of russian music at that time. The first few chapters taught me so much about how russians think about art in the late 1800s. I also love Bowers' commentary on Scriabin's music. Scriabin can be such an elusive figure to write about because he is poetic and ecstatic but somehow Bowers managed.

I did a quick research and this Bowers guy is quite incredible. He was a Juilliard graduate who taught at Japan, was a personal interpreter to Douglas MacArthur as well as his aide. Bowers interpreted MacArthur when he first met Hirohito right after World War II. Not only that, he was a renowned expert on Japanese Theatre and Indian Dance. The true definition of an Asian Studies expert. If I managed to get a copy, I'll definitely lay down any other book that I'm on to re-read this one!

[Diego Mesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read. Absolutely beautiful biography. Even though I'm spanish I found it easy to read and very interesting.

[Cobertizo · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Scriabin concebía Mysterium como un rito litúrgico inmenso que duraría 7 días o más, celebrado en la India con el Himalaya de fondo y que permitiría una comunión espiritual que llevara a la disolución y transfiguración del mundo; todas las artes estarían incluidas (música, danza, teatro, poesía) y todos los sentidos (incluso el gusto y el olfato). Scriabin concebía la música como expresión de una realidad trascendente que en último término demandaría otras modalidades de revelación."

Música y enfermedad mental. Vida de compositores que presentaron una enfermedad mental (2016). Carlos Delgado Calvete

[Mark Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who have studied and worked in the classical music field, this composer has always been intriguing. And this detailed biography of Scriabin satisfies our thirst to understand such an innovative composer. The stories of his life, thoughts, and creations include some fascinating tales. The research and the writing make for a masterpiece of biography. A must read in the classical music world indeed.

[Jaden Farquhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

My personal favorite composer, and somehow his life story is as captivating as his music. Well written with a good balance of primary sources—mainly letters—and commentary with a dry humor that was both sparing enough and landed well. Really immersed me in the story of Scriabin's life. One of my favorite books I've ever read.

[Rochelle Sondae]

Have receipt from Powell's books in Oregon dated 1/3/2013 for $65.00