Vers la flamme

Aleksandr ScriabinOp. 72

ModernKnownfantasyAllegro3/4~6 min
H9
Henle (estimated)
RCM 10ABRSM 8

About this piece

Vers la flamme is an atonal tone poem that depicts an increasing intensity leading to a final, blinding conflagration. It is distinctive for its repetitive, hypnotic patterns that gradually coalesce into an overwhelming, dense wall of sound.

Teacher notes

The pianist must carefully manage the acceleration of dynamics and texture to build the massive, inescapable climax.

Technical focus

speed-agilitylarge-chordswide-spandramatic-contrastvoicing

Mood

passionatemysteriousdramaticpowerful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Vers la flamme

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 9 pieces (Virtuoso) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Vers la flamme (Op. 72) by Aleksandr Scriabin?

Vers la flamme (Op. 72) is rated Henle level 9 of 9 — virtuoso repertoire, roughly concert / virtuoso level. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.

What level do I need to play Vers la flamme?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 9 — meaning you can already play level 8–9 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Vers la flamme?

A typical performance of Vers la flamme (Op. 72) lasts about 6 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Vers la flamme?

Vers la flamme (Op. 72) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Vers la flamme?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Étude in D-sharp minor, No. 12 by Aleksandr Scriabin, Piano Sonata No. 4 in F-sharp major by Aleksandr Scriabin, Ballade No.2 by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.