Born to an aristocratic Moscow family in 1872, Alexander Scriabin overcame a diminutive size with hands that barely stretched an octave, to become an outstanding concert pianist. As the years progressed he grew more interested in composition, striving to find totally new concepts of musical creativity, particularly in the synthesis of sound and colour. Though he produced three impressive symphonies and a number of other orchestral works, most of his compositions involved the piano, including a series of 80 Preludes composed throughout his short life. Many last less than a minute and are uncomplicated in form and content, while others make considerable technical demands on the soloist. Rhythmically appealing, and in a diverse mixture of moods, they have an easy and colourful attraction.