Unlocking the Prometheus Scale: A Comprehensive Guide

Summary:

The Prometheus Scale, a hexatonic (six-note) scale conceived by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, is a cornerstone of his mystical and harmonically advanced style. Far from a modern invention with unclear origins, it is derived from his famous "Mystic Chord." This guide corrects common misconceptions and delves into the scale's precise structure, its relationship to the Lydian Dominant mode, its historical context in Scriabin's work, and its practical applications for composers and improvisers seeking to evoke mystery, tension, and otherworldly color.

Keywords:

Prometheus Scale, Alexander Scriabin, Mystic Chord, hexatonic scale, synthetic scale, music theory, Lydian Dominant, modern composition, scale construction, intervallic structure, musical scales, impressionistic harmony

Introduction:

In the landscape of musical scales, few carry the same aura of mystique as the Prometheus Scale. Often shrouded in misinformation, this scale is not a recent experimental creation but a specific, powerful tool from the early 20th century. It was developed by the visionary Russian composer Alexander Scriabin as the melodic and harmonic basis for his symphonic poem, *Prometheus: The Poem of Fire* (1910). This guide will illuminate the true nature of this unique hexatonic scale, from its precise intervallic structure to its use in creating the floating, unresolved harmonies that define Scriabin's late works and inspire modern composers today.

Definition and Classification:

The Prometheus Scale is a hexatonic (six-note) synthetic scale. It is most famous for its use by Alexander Scriabin. Its intervallic structure, starting from the root, is: Root, Major Second, Major Third, Augmented Fourth, Major Sixth, Minor Seventh.

The interval pattern is: whole-step, whole-step, whole-step, augmented second, minor-second. A key characteristic is the presence of a tritone (the augmented fourth) and the complete absence of a perfect fifth, which removes the traditional tonal pull towards a tonic and creates its signature ambiguous, "floating" quality. When the notes of the scale are stacked vertically, they form Scriabin's "Mystic Chord."

It is often classified as a mode of the Acoustic Scale or closely related to the Lydian Dominant Scale (the fourth mode of the melodic minor scale), as it contains the defining Lydian #4 and Dominant b7.

Examples:

Example 1: The C Prometheus Scale

This example shows the ascending C Prometheus Scale with its characteristic intervals. Notice the notes: C, D, E, F#, A, Bb. The F# is the Augmented Fourth and the Bb is the Minor Seventh.

Example 2: The "Mystic Chord"

When the notes of the Prometheus Scale are played simultaneously, they form the "Mystic Chord." Scriabin used this chord as a central harmonic device, avoiding traditional tertian (stacked thirds) harmony.

Example 3: Melodic Phrase

Here is a short melodic idea using the C Prometheus Scale. Listen for the distinct, unresolved quality created by the combination of the major third (E) , tritone (F#), and minor seventh (Bb).

Practical Applications:

The Prometheus Scale's unique sound makes it a versatile tool for specific emotional and harmonic effects:

• Impressionistic and Mystical Harmony: Its primary use, as intended by Scriabin, is to create non-functional, coloristic harmony that evokes a sense of mystery, ecstasy, or suspense. The lack of a perfect fifth prevents strong V-I cadences, allowing chords to float and morph into one another.
• Jazz Improvisation: The scale is identical to the Lydian Dominant scale (without the 5th) . It is a perfect choice for improvising over dominant 7th(#11) chords. For example, you can use the C Prometheus scale over a G7(#11) chord.
• Film and Game Scoring: Modern composers use this scale and its associated harmonies to score scenes depicting magic, science fiction, psychological tension, or dream sequences. Its otherworldly sound immediately transports the listener outside of conventional harmony.

Historical Figures:

The Prometheus Scale is inextricably linked to one central figure: Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915). A Russian composer and pianist, Scriabin was a contemporary of Rachmaninoff but followed a unique philosophical and musical path. He was deeply influenced by Theosophy and mysticism, believing music could be a gateway to a higher plane of existence. The "Mystic Chord" and its resulting Prometheus Scale were central to his late-period works, most notably *Prometheus: The Poem of Fire*. This piece was his attempt to synthesize sound, color, and spiritual philosophy into a single, overwhelming sensory experience.

Fun Facts:

The name "Prometheus Scale" comes directly from Scriabin's symphonic poem, which musically depicts the myth of Prometheus bringing fire (representing creativity and consciousness) to humanity. Scriabin, who experienced synesthesia (the association of senses, such as seeing colors when hearing sounds), created a part for a *clavier à lumières*, or "color organ," in the score. This instrument was meant to project specific colors into the concert hall that corresponded to the changing harmonies, creating a truly multi-sensory work of art based on the sound of this very scale.

Conclusions:

The Prometheus Scale is far more than a theoretical curiosity; it is a key that unlocks a specific and powerful harmonic world. Born from the mystical vision of Alexander Scriabin, its unique six-note structure offers a deliberate departure from traditional tonality. By understanding its construction—the Lydian #4, the dominant b7, and the crucial absence of the perfect fifth—composers and improvisers can harness its power to create music that is ethereal, tense, and deeply evocative. We encourage you to play the scale, harmonize it, and explore how its unique color can expand your own musical palette.

References:

1. Bowers, Faubion. *Scriabin: A Biography*. Dover Publications, 1996.

2. Taruskin, Richard. *Music in the Early Twentieth Century*. Oxford History of Western Music. Oxford University Press, 2010.

3. Kostka, Stefan, and Dorothy Payne. *Tonal Harmony: With an Introduction to Twentieth-Century Music*. McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.