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"This is highly recommendable version of the concerto, poetic when required – the theme and first variation in the slow movement are exquisite – and listening to it, one can only wonder at the immense change in Scriabin’s musical vocabulary that occurred in the following few years." - MusicWeb International Vasily Petrenko and the Oslo Philharmonic continue their Scriabin journey with the piano concerto and his second symphony. "It is fantastic to continue the recording of Scriabin's symphonic world," says Petrenko, "Symphony number two and the piano concerto are his most classical works." The reception of the symphony was at one time divided, and it was called both Scriabin's "second cacophony" and "the new Bible." In retrospect, we look at it differently, and rather appreciate the drama and the strong Wagnerian influence. The piano concerto was the very first work with orchestral ensemble from Skrjabin's hand, after much composition for solo piano. He himself was also a renowned concert pianist, and was nicknamed "Russia's Chopin" by one of his teachers. While Petrenko and Gerstein collaborated for the first time almost 15 years ago, last year's recording of the piano concerto was the first meeting between soloist and orchestra. In September, they meet again, for performance and recording of symphony number five "Prometheus", for the third and final record in the Scriabin cycle.