Alexander Scriabin - Symphony No. 2 (with score)

Symphony no. 2 in C minor - for orchestra
Written by Alexander Scriabin in 1901

Thanks to Thomas Van Dun for preparing this score video:    / @thomasvandun  

Performed by the Scottish National Orchestra, conducted by Neeme Järvi.

00:00​ - I. Andante
05:42​ - II. Allegro
14:59​ - III. Andante
26:36​ - IV. Tempestoso
32:05​ - V. Maestoso

'The Second Symphony was completed in 1901, a year after the first. It is the most traditional of his symphonies in formal structure. The first two movements (Andante, Allegro) are played without a break and structurally form a classical sonata movement. In the third movement (Andante), however, he makes a remarkable advancement toward the heavily chromatic sound associated with the mature Scriabin. The movement opens with a birdsong played by the flute, another Scriabin characteristic. The rest of the movement, with its frequent evocations of birdsong and other sounds of nature, is like a long, dreamy walk through the wilderness. Even the central climax is unforced. A lovely movement, the fourth movement (Tempestuoso), a minor-key scherzo, is full of turbulent string, timpani, and brass writing, interrupted briefly in places by some more lyrical writing. Toward the end of the movement, the key modulates into the major and leads seamlessly into the final Maestoso movement with a majestic restatement of the symphony's opening theme. This work marks important strides in Scriabin's growth as a composer, and still shocked its initial audience somewhat when it premiered in St. Petersburg under the baton of Anatol Lyadov on January 12, 1902.' - John Dobson