Scriabin meets Falletta

‘The music of Alexander Scriabin is inspiring fascinated new audiences today, in addition to those who have always loved his singular voice. His Symphony No. 2 and The Poem of Ecstasy illustrate the composer’s unique blending of Russian romanticism with the intoxicating fragrance of French Impressionism.

Influenced by the composer’s gift of synesthesia (his ability to actually see musical pitches and keys as specific colours), these pieces are absolutely incandescent – glowing with tonal shades and nuance and extravagant harmonic richness. The musical mysticism and intensely personal spirituality that became the central forces of Scriabin’s life are beautifully expressed in these sublime works.’

JoAnn Falletta


8.574139

Alexander SCRIABIN (1872–1915)
The Poem of Ecstasy
Symphony No. 2

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
JoAnn Falletta

Scriabin composed most of his single-movement fourth symphony The Poem of Ecstasy between 1905 and 1908 in Italy and France. He originally intended it to be called Poème orgiaque (‘Orgiastic Poem’) with its unprecedented raw sensuality and overpowering aesthetic, taking chromaticism beyond even Wagnerian voluptuousness. His earlier Symphony No. 2 in C minor adopts César Franck’s cyclical ideas to which Scriabin layered sweeping climaxes, majestic intensity and rich orchestral colour that enliven its five movements with ceaseless invention.

Listen to an extract from Symphony No. 2:
II. Allegro
About the Artists
Multiple GRAMMY-winning conductor JoAnn Falletta serves as music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and music director laureate of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. She has guest conducted many of the most prominent orchestras in America, Canada, Europe, Asia and South America. As music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Falletta became the first woman to lead a major American ensemble. With a discography of over 120 titles, she is a leading recording artist for Naxos.
Founded in 1935, the GRAMMY Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) is Buffalo’s leading cultural ambassador, presenting more than 120 classics, pops and youth concerts each year. Since 1940, the orchestra’s permanent home has been Kleinhans Music Hall. In March 2018, the BPO became the first American orchestra to perform at the Beethoven Easter Festival in Warsaw, Poland. In 2022, they made their 24th appearance at Carnegie Hall celebrating the life and works of Lukas Foss, former BPO music director.
More albums of early 20th-century music featuring JoAnn Falletta
8.574138
★★★★★
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‘The players are on top of every detail, and Falletta’s readings never drag. Recommended recording not just for Schmitt fans but for anyone.’
AllMusic.com ★★★★
8.573460
★★★★
‘What makes the Ariadne Suite so rewarding is the stunning performance Falletta gets from the Buffalo Philharmonic. The quality of playing confirms that, in her 18 years as music director, she now has the orchestra performing at its peak. And on the day this was recorded … Falletta herself was in top form.’
American Record Guide
8.573521
SCHMITT, F.:
Antoine et Cléopâtre
Le Palais Hanté

Buffalor Philharmonic Orchestra • Falletta
★★★★★
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‘JoAnn Falletta succeeds extremely well in realising the mixture of brilliance and sensuality which characterises Schmitt’s music, and her readings are intense and expressive as well.’
Pizzicato ★★★★★
8.573821
★★★★★
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‘These performances are excellent. Falletta conducts the music with complete sympathy, and Naxos’ recording time after time picks up on its manifold details.’
American Record Guide
For JoAnn Falletta’s full discography on Naxos, please visit this link.


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