mystic chord
English composer
Definition
Scriabin's characteristic harmonic formation: a quartal chord built in fourths (C–F♯–B♭–E–A–D) that generates most of the harmonic language of his late works.
Interpretive Guidance
The mystic chord is not resolved in the traditional sense; it simply is. Its ambiguous tonal centre creates the floating, directionless harmonic world of Scriabin's late style.