Hi Guy’s,
Today, we will take a look at Alexander Scriabin’s “Prometheus” or mystic chord.
INTRODUCTION
The “Prometheus chord,” introduced by Alexander Scriabin, is a fascinating and innovative harmonic structure that reflects the composer’s mystical and philosophical inclinations. Officially known as the “mystic chord, this six-note chord (C, F#, Bb, E, A, D) forms the foundation of Scriabin’s “Prometheus: The Poem of Fire,” Op. 60.
CHORD CONSTRUCTION:
Okay, let’s take the scale notes in order [Hexatonic 6 notes]
Now, let’s arrange the pitches by intervals,
This results in the “Promethus/Mystic” Chord:
Here is the outline of the chord in single notes:
Now, let’s apply it as a guitar fingering:
Here is a Barre Guitar chord shape/voicing:
From here, we can now play around with this unique sound and create some interesting musical ideas from it.
CHORDAL ARPEGGIOS FROM THE CHORD/SCALE OUTLINE
Here are two “Chordal picking” guitar arpeggio vamps:
In the first example the key is to make sure not to dampen the open D string in the first bar even though this same string is fretted in the second bar.
Example 1:
In the next example [below] the key to execution is the same by remembering not to dampen any open strings with the fretting hand.
EXAMPLE 2:
Longer lines constructed from scale for improvisation and/or composition:
Here is an example of a longer line built from this chord/scale concept:
This little phrase exploits the chord/scale outline with some string skipping/intervallic picking to create interest and to make it more compositional in its approach.
Chord for Orchestration:
This chord/scale is employed a lot in modern and old Film and T.V music:
Example 1: Old 70’s detective shows like “Columbo”
Example 2: Mystery/Drama from the late 30’s early 40’s Film.
Example 3: Tremolo Build up for suspenseful crescendo.
IN CONCLUSION
In conclusion this was just a quick look at the amazing “Prometheus” chord and it’s use and function in music.
It’s a very useful tool becasue it can be employed for lovely guitar vamps, solo lines and improvisation. It’s also excellent for orchestration where drama and suspense is required.
FROM SCRIABIN’S PERSPECTIVE:
This chord departs from traditional harmonic conventions, creating a sonorous, otherworldly soundscape that evokes transcendence and spiritual awakening. The chord’s ambiguous tonal center and unconventional intervallic relationships challenge listeners’ expectations and epitomize Scriabin’s quest to explore new harmonic realms. This daring musical innovation was part of Scriabin’s broader artistic vision, intertwining music with his synesthetic experiences and esoteric beliefs, aiming to elevate human consciousness through art.
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