James Kreiling is a pianist, writer, transcriber and teacher.
He specialises in cross-arts collaboration and the music of Scriabin.
‘None of this would be significant if he were not also a pianist with the necessary technique to command these often very technically challenging works and able to convey their mystery, power and beauty. I immediately noticed the refinement of his sound, how often Scriabin asks for pianissimo or even ppp and how precisely these dynamic indications are observed. Kreiling also uses the sustaining pedal lightly and well, so that the sound shimmers and glows without getting muddy. His leggiero passages – and there are many of them – are fantastically light and airy. He can layer the texture, so that the theme comes out despite lots of filigree decoration above and grumbling bass below. He is not fazed by the polyrhythms. The way he plays the descending figures of fourths in the eighth sonata has to be heard to be believed.’
From a review of ‘Scriabin: Complete Late piano music’, Stephen Barber - Music Web International
“I wish you music to help with the burdens of life, and to help you release your happiness to others.”
Ludvig Van Beethoven
News: new book release!
I am extremely excited to announce that my first book will be published by Bloomsbury later this year. Scriabin: pianist, thinker, symbolist, radical, romantic, and often misunderstood composer – immerse yourself in his mystical world and develop an informed interpretation of his piano works.
‘This book offers an excellent introduction to the work and ideas of this fascinating Russian composer. Whereas many writers tend to dismiss his visions as megalomaniac or solipsistic, Kreiling concentrates on their cultural and polictical context at the turn of the previous century as well as on their significance in our time. Even with its focus on the piano works - including valuable tips for the performer - this book is highly recommended not only for pianists but indeed for anyone interested in Russian and European culture of la belle epoque’ - Hakon Austbo, internationally renowned pianist; Vice-President of the International Scriabin Society, Moscow.
New double CD release!
It has been the greatest privilege to work with cellist, and dear friend, Liubov Ulybysheva on and off for the past 20 years. Through the Odradek label we have finally released our debut double album of lesser-known works for cello and piano. Receiving four stars from BBC music magazine, there are some real gems here, such as Gnessin’s extraordinary Theme and Variations, or Gedike’s Three Improvisations. Find it on all major streaming platforms, and here.
Scriabin: Complete late Piano Music
Recorded in 2015 and 2017 and released by Odradek in 2019, these two discs received a five star review in BBC Music Magazine and present Scriabin’s complete piano music from the Fifth Piano Sonata to the Op. 74 Preludes.