Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy

Alexander Scriabin – Towards the Light / Calculation and Ecstasy (1996) is a documentary film directed by Oliver Becker.

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.

Cast

Hermann Nitsch

Himself

Vladimir Horowitz

Himself

Vladimir Ashkenazy

Himself

Mikhail Pletnev

Himself

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Himself

Ivan Wyschnegradsky

Himself

Eduard Artemyev

Himself