Orchestration and Information for Scriabin's 4th Symphony?

Question

I just wanted to know if anybody could tell me the orchestration of "The Poem of Ecstasy" or if somebody could give me a listening guide for it. Also, I would appreciate it if you could tell me what you know about the piece.

-Thanks

Answer 1

SCRIABIN, Alexander Nikolaievich (1872-1915)
Symphony No. 4, Op. 54
Le Poeme de l'Extase
3+1, 3+1, 3+1, 3+1 - 8, 5, 3, 1, timp, 5 perc [Keyboard Glock,Trgl,Cyms,bass drum, Tam-tam, Chime in low C] 2hp, cel[can also play Keyboard Glock], org , str, mx chor
Duration 24'

Full Score: $65.00 Set of Parts:$320.00
Pub. Edwin F. Kalmus & Co., Inc. A2026
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Answer 2

Glad you're interested in this weird, orgiastic work. The orchestraion is as follows:
3 flutes
1 piccolo
3 oboes
1 cor anglais (English Horn)
3 clarinets
1 bass clarinet
3 bassoons
1 contrabassoon
8 horns
5 trumpets (the 1st trumpet part is almost like a solo part)
3 trombones
1 tuba
Timpani
5 percussionists (who play between them triangle, cymbals, bass drum, tam-tam, keyboard Glockenspiel, bell in C)
2 harps
1 celeste
Organ
Strings

The Poem of Ecstasy was written around 1905 and Scriabin referred to it as his Fourth Symphony. It usually lasts between 19 and 22 minutes in performance and has one of the loudest endings of any piece I know. There is an excellent Wikipedia article (link below) which should tell you what you need to know. The second link leads to an article which makes some informed and useful recording recommendations.

Happy listening!