Daniil Trifonov

A programme of Scriabin: 8 Etudes, Op.42; Sonata No.9 in F, Op.68 (Black Mass) Beethoven: Sonata in A flat, Op.110 Prokofiev: Sonata No.8 in B flat, Op.84 The much sought-after pianist explores the mystical world of Scriabin and embraces the mysterious atmosphere of Prokofiev’s third War Sonata. Steeped in the composer’s highly personal brand of mysticism, the extraordinary music of Alexander Scriabin possesses an ethereal spirituality alongside a dark, anxious energy. Although fundamentally tonal, the Op.42 Etudes convey a mood of restlessness and disquiet through the rhythmic and harmonic complexities of the music. The short Ninth Sonata is perhaps Scriabin’s bestknown piano work. Nicknamed ‘Black Mass’ (not by its composer, though he did approve it), the sonata’s atonality and chromaticism give full expression to Scriabin’s dark mysticism. The good-natured mood of the opening movement of Beethoven’s great penultimate Sonata moves towards a pensive finale and triumphant conclusion. Prokofiev’s Sonata No.8 is the third of the composer’s famed ‘War Sonatas’. Opening in a mood of quiet yet off-balanced mystery, the work develops a percussive energy but, by the end, leaves us with an air of ambiguity and uncertainty.