Album Notes

This electrifying disc was recorded in the historic Methuen Memorial Music Hall outside Boston, Massachusetts.  O'Riley is one of the most sought after of American pianists, and here he matches his unique gifts with the mystery and dazzling virtuosity of Scriabin's music. This release coincides with the premiere performances of chorographer Martha Clarke's latest theater piece, Vers la flamme.  In this popular and controversial work, Christopher O'Riley appears live onstage with the actors and dancers as he performs this all-Scriabin program.

An artist whose poetic gifts and captivating virtuosity have made him one of the most important and versatile pianists performing before the public today, Christopher O'Riley enjoys a thriving concert career. His singularly broad repertoire ranges from music of the English Renaissance and French Baroque periods to the new works of today's leading composers to such non-classical forms as the tango. He also plays many of his own arrangements and transcriptions.

Mr. O'Riley is the host of the award-winning weekly NPR radio show FROM THE TOP.


His performing schedule regularly takes him to major cities throughout America, highlighted by frequent engagements at both Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Internationally, he has appeared in cultural capitals worldwide from London, Paris and Vienna to Hong Kong and Melbourne.


Mr. O'Riley's recordings reflect the originality of his programming. Among his highly acclaimed solo releases is an all-Stravinsky disc on Elektra Nonesuch, featuring "Three Movements from Petruchka" and Mr. O'Riley's own transcriptons of "Apollo" and "Histoire du Soldat." He is also heard on a recent RCA Victor Red Seal release of French repertoire for flute and piano with James Galway.


The illustrious group of conductors with whom he has collaborated includes Michael Tilson Thomas, David Zinman, Leonard Slatkin, John Williams, Neeme Järvi, Edo de Waart, Yoel Levi, Hugh Wolff, Andrew Litton and Ransom Wilson.


Christopher O'Riley is the recipient of an Artist's Diploma  from the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Russel Sherman.