Alexander Scriabin Late Piano Works: Scriabin was one of the first composers to make a complete break from conventional tonality. It has been conjectured that the stature of his legacy might have been as highly regarded as others more well known that developed atonal systems, such as Schoenberg, had he not died prematurely at the age of 43. Though this phase of his music is admittedly very much of an acquired taste (even I don't listen to it often), it is something should be heard at least once so unique is its character. One thing I find remarkable is that in much of it, in contrast to other atonal music I have heard, he maintains a penchant for emotionality and sensuality. I'll use three pieces to demonstrate this phase. The 1st piece, Vers La Flamme (Toward The Flame) op. 72, is a representation of an ever intensifying flame. In the video, Vladimir Horowitz does a great job of explaining its significance. To avoid confusion, I should mention the first 30 seconds of the video is not about Scriabin. The 2nd piece, Sonata no. 9 op. 68, has been dubbed the "Black Mass". As does all of his later period music, it represents one of his mystical visions, in this case one of darkness and menace. It should be noted that in the period and place of these compositions, turn of the century Russia, all sorts of mystical "woo" were very much in vogue. And last piece, Etrangete (Strangeness) op.63 no. 2, is a much briefer and lighter piece than the previous two. It has a mercurial and whimsical quality.