Alexander ScriabinŒÍs 9th Sonata is often referred to as the ŒñBlack MassŒî. Unlike the 7th Sonata, the so-called ŒñWhite MassŒî, this name did not stem from the composer. He writes: ŒñIn the ninth sonata I came closer than ever before to the Satanic ...Œî. The mystic-dark sphere fascinated Skrjabin. Anyone who listens to this bizarre work will involuntarily becomecaught up in the diabolical vortex Œ_ the music heads towards the sonata ŒÍs dramatic conclusion as if being pulled in an undertow. The highly expressive work was given its first performance by the composer himself. Following its first publication he revised it, and this new edition was the primary source for our edition.