Review of Alexander Scriabin, The Composer as Pianist

Ken Caswell's latest CD, volume 5, is now available with the recordings
of Alexander Scriabin recorded for M. Welte & Soehne in Russia 1910.
This CD has tracks for all the Scriabin Welte recordings recorded in
January 1910 as well as other Welte recordings of other performers of
the period also playing Scriabin's works.

The composer tracks are played more freely than we typically expect
today.  In this respect the CD can be a bit of an eye opener.  Of equal
importance are two track recorded by pianists in Russia at the same
time.  All the Russian Welte-Mignon rolls were recorded in January
1910.

Constantine Igumnoff and Alexander Goldenweiser are represented.  Both
would have heard the composer play his own works and would have been
familiar with his performance style.  Goldenweiser went on to teach at
the Moscow Conservatory later becoming the director.  Goldenweiser is
heard playing a Mazurka op. 40, No. 2, Welte-Mignon roll 2081 which is
the same title also recorded by the composer, Welte-Mignon roll 2072.
The contrast in the two performances is extremely interesting.  The
composer plays with far more freedom.

Also found on the CD are recordings made in New York for Welte-Mignon
Licensee from the early to the mid-1920s.  Conradi, Pouishnoff and
Brard are represented.  There is also the Lhevinne performance of
the Nocturne for Left Hand recorded in Freiburg in 1906.  Pouishnoff
(Welte-Mignon roll C-7602) is heard playing the Poeme op. 32, No. 1,
in contrast to the composer (Welte-Mignon 2068).

I found this to be a very enjoyable CD and recommend it.  I am told
that earlier volumes have already sold out so suggest that interested
buyers not delay.  This CD is produced by the Pierian Recording
Society, PO Box 90476, Austin, TX 78709

reviewed by
Mark Reinhart
Charles Town, West Virginia