Idil Biret Solo Edition 8 – Alexander Scriabin
Idil Biret
IBA 8.571302
The Idil Biret Archive (IBA) covers the long career of this much-recorded pianist; its Solo Edition features recent performances by the still-masterly Biret. This disc includes all 12 Scriabin Études of Op.8 and the eight of Op.42, along with Op.2, No.1 and the Fantaisie, Op.38. Biret’s expansive technique and musicianship meet the many requirements of these intricate, virtuosic pieces. Though it is greatly influenced by Chopin, I find Scriabin’s early style more “Russian” than do most commentators. Biret projects well the Russian soul and idiomatic vocal inflections of the dolorous Op.8, No.11 (1895). She is equally at home with the intense expressiveness, typically thick middle- and low-register textures and wide-ranging leaps (though a couple are missed) in the popular No.12 in D-Sharp Minor.
In the Op.42 Études (1903) Scriabin’s style becomes more idiosyncratic. The rapid moth-like No.1 is crowded with non-harmonic tones. Unequal note-grouping between left-hand accompaniment and right hand melody pervades several pieces, including No.6 with its five against three ratio. Scriabin’s tendency toward agitated and complex inner parts becomes more frequent as in No.5, as well as in the Fantaisie (1900). The overall tendency toward greater harmonic and rhythmic exploration connects with the often-improvisatory origins of Scriabin’s works, which Biret conveys with convincing rubato where appropriate. Among other things, this set is a good preparation for Scriabin’s later experimental, darkly mystical piano compositions.
