Vers la flamme

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vers la flamme, Op. 72 (Toward the flame) is one of Alexander Scriabin's last few pieces for piano, written in 1914.

The melody of the piece is very simple, consisting mainly of descending half steps. However, the unusual harmonies and difficult tremolos create an intense, fiery luminance. This piece was intended to be Scriabin's eleventh sonata; however he had to publish it early because of financial concerns. Hence, the piece is only labeled a poem, rather than a sonata.

According to renowned pianist Vladimir Horowitz, Scriabin wrote "Vers la flamme" after a psychotic vision in which he witnessed the end of the world.^{[citation needed]} The piece's title reflects the Earth's fiery destruction, as well as the constant emotional buildup and crescendo throughout the piece leading, ultimately, "toward the flame".

The piece is approximately six minutes long.