Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning in Alexander Scriabin’s Piano Sonata No.3. Op.23

Abstract

Perhaps what is most remarkable about Alexander Scriabin’s musical language is its dramatic transformation as he aged from one of late romanticism to one that transcended tonality. Its singularity, however, lies in the symbolist and theosophical beliefs with which it is infused. Notably, his later works assumed almost ritualistic purposes, taking symbolist “mysticism” to its extreme. Divided into tree parts, this paper will attempt to derive spiritual meaning from his music. The first will focus on the biographical elements of Alexander Scriabin, which made him prone to adopting the symbolist philosophy; the second will examine in depth this ideology, which played such an important role in his late musical language. Finally, the third part will trace the spiritual meanings and symbolist plot behind Piano Sonata No.3, Op. 23 based on the findings of the first two parts as well as the writings of theosophist Helena Blavatsky, to which he was exposed during his time in Paris.