In March of 1915, a crowd of fashionable patrons gathered for the New York premiere of Alexander Scriabin’s Prometheus: The Poem of Fire. The Russian-born Scriabin had composed the piece by means of what he called his “color hearing,” a synesthesiainspired interpretation of the correlation between notes and hues— something the staging at Carnegie Hall was meant to reflect. “Over the heads of the musicians stretches a gauze screen,” reported one gushing contemporary account, “and across this screen play many-colored lights, blending, sweeping onward in overpowering beauty.” It was the first complete performance of the first composition arranged this way, notes musicologist James Baker, and a culmination of the pianist and composer’s future-forward music. Mere weeks later, the avant-garde visionary died, taken down by a simple infection.
This month, more than a hundred years after that premiere, a new iteration of Prometheus will unfold at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco—one that involves not just color but scent as well, with three distinct fragrances released at key moments throughout the performance. The effect intends to create an all-encompassing experience—and given that the myth of Prometheus describes nothing less than the triumph of human ingenuity against the brute forces of nature, a concert that seeks to elevate its patrons to another plane seems appropriate.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Vogue US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Vogue US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Mother's Story
In a Broadway revival of Amy Herzog's play Mary Jane, Rachel McAdams finds uncommon grace in an account of parental struggle and pain.
Old Souls
A new production of Uncle Vanya brings the eternal wisdom of Anton Chekhov to the stage.
ELIZABETH DEBICKI
The actor who brought Princess Diana to life—and won a passel of awards in the process—is ready to transform anew.
If the Shoe Doesn't Fit
Forever looking for a 42 ina world of 39s.
Stuck on You
Once applied primarily to adolescent totems, stickers for wellness!are growing up.
Partial to It
Gen Zers have deemed side parts hopelessly outdated, but new defenders see the appeal.
With Nail and I
Inspired by recent runways, Lena Dunham tries on inch-long talons and mere tip-skimming lengths, and wonders: What do our nails say about all we’re asked to do?
Not Black and White
At just 27, Anna Park has made a major impression on the art world. Dodie Kazanjian visits her studio.
Prep School
Back in the '90s, Plum Sykes arrived in New York from London and promptly found herself in the thrall of preppy chic. Now, she writes, it's all coming back.
States of WONDER
John Galliano's recent Maison Margiela triumph was an haute couture tour de force. Yet, as Hamish Bowles recalls, it's but the latest in the designer's long history of era-defining shows.