Alexander Scriabin: Symphony No. 1 • The Poem of Ecstasy Mikhail Pletnev, conductor Vladislav Lavrik, trumpet Russian National Orchestra PENTATONE, 2015
Released in 2015 by the renowned classical label PENTATONE, this distinguished recording brings together the visionary artistry of Mikhail Pletnev, the exceptional virtuosity of Vladislav Lavrik, and the world-class excellence of the Russian National Orchestra in a compelling interpretation of Alexander Scriabin’s Symphony No. 1 and The Poem of Ecstasy.
At the heart of this release lies Scriabin’s incandescent Poem of Ecstasy, a work in which the trumpet assumes a transcendent and symbolically charged role. The extended solo passages demand not only supreme technical brilliance but also an almost mystical intensity of expression. In this recording, Vladislav Lavrik delivers a performance of extraordinary radiance and authority. His tone — luminous, focused, and commanding — soars above Scriabin’s opulent orchestral textures, shaping the climactic moments with thrilling clarity and spiritual elevation. Lavrik’s interpretation captures both the ecstatic fervor and the refined sensuality of Scriabin’s vision, making the trumpet line a central dramatic force of the work.
Under Pletnev’s inspired direction, the Russian National Orchestra provides a richly colored and finely balanced orchestral canvas. Recognized internationally for its artistic excellence, the orchestra has been ranked among the world’s top 20 orchestras by Gramophone magazine and is a Grammy Award laureate, underscoring the exceptional level of musicianship heard throughout this recording.
This PENTATONE release stands as a powerful testament to Scriabin’s visionary sound world — and to Vladislav Lavrik’s commanding artistry in one of the most demanding and exalted trumpet roles in the symphonic repertoire.
