Symphony 6 Le Poeme De L'Extase
These towerling performance of Scriabin's orchestral masterpieces remains as one of the greatest achievements by Muti and Philadelphia Orchestra. Especailly the third Symphony and Poem of Ecstasy surpass all existing recordings for its gorgeous sound, masterful timing of silence at crucial moments, gigantic finale and incandescent build up to each climax. Only Pletnev's account of the Ecstasy can rival the grandeur. Ashkenazy's polite accounts do not come even close. Other symphonies are equally outstanding too. The first symphony is hugely under-rated masterpiece, full of inspired melodies and superb vocal parts. What a shame Scriabin did not write more for voice! Rich Philadelphia sound is beautifully recorded with warmth and amazing dynamic range (The distortion is only slight due to the enormous force of the sound at the climax).