VOL VERS L’ÉTOILE

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of Alexander Scriabin’s birth on 6th January 1872. Few composers of western art music have provided as much fascination. Scriabin offered a unique blend of esoteric mysticism, ethereal pianism, progressive harmonic technique, philosophically-driven composition, colour-music experiments, and more. For 150 years he has stimulated lively scholarly debate and new musical experiences. In the light of this celebration Etcetera Recorsds is proud to present Anastasia Safonova who has proven her knowledge, devotion and understanding of this repertoire.

Anastasia Safonova Anastasia Safonova is a Russian/Dutch pianist. She was a laureate of prestigious international competitions, winner of the first prizes at the Yuri Egorov International Competition and the Yamaha Music Competition. Her numerous performances included appearances in famous concert venues in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, England, Germany, Spain, Italy, Turkey, China and Russia. Anastasia Safonova holds a position as professor Chamber Music at the Conservatory of Maastricht (The Netherlands).

Vol vers l’étoile
Flight to the star
The early years of the 20th century. The sun sets and night begins to fall in the streets of Moscow: the lamplighter is finishing his round. People hurry not to miss the start of a concert at the Pasternaks’ home; this was a meeting point for painters, musicians, writers and poets, where they played music, recited their works, and discussed everything, a manifestation of the great outburst of creativity that occurred at the turn of the century. Scriabin’s playing is nervous and inspired, delicate and refined. He fascinates his audience, not only with his playing but also with his compositions. Lev Tolstoy, the great Russian writer, praised Scriabin’s music, calling it “a sincere expression of genius”.

My wish for this CD is that it might provide an insight into the special period in Russian cultural life between the two revolutions. I would like to end this introduction with a quote from the great Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky: “Every work of art is a child of its time, although often it is also the parent of our emotions. Every cultural period therefore creates its own art, which can never be repeated.”

Anastasia Safonova