Alexander Scriabin (scree-AH-bin)

Born January 6, 1872 in Moscow, Russia

Died April 27, 1915

Nationality: Russian

Period/Style: Romantic/Early Modern

About the composer

Alexander Scriabin loved his piano so much as a child that he kissed it whenever he saw it.  He also slept with the music of Frederick Chopin under his pillow because he loved it so much.  Unfortunately, his mother died wihen he was very young, and because his father had to work, young Alexander went to live with his aunt and his grandmother. They spoiled him, but did not allow him to play with other children.  He saw his first opera at the age of five and loved it so well that he built his own little theater and did plays by doing all the parts himself.  His style of composition is unique, as seen in his last major work for orchestra called "Prometheus". This piece merged colored lights and music by using a special keyboard that projected colors on a screen when the keys were touched.

About the music

In addition to the larger orchestral works, Scriabin also wrote miniature piano pieces.  Each one of these pieces has a different mood and is very short.

Suggested activities

Find out why Alexander Scriabin never wore a hat, but always wore gloves.

Draw a little picture of the first thing that comes to mind as you listen to the music.

Create a design for a theater where you could act out your favorite story, doing all the parts yourself.