There is such lyricism and poetry in this wonderfully ethereal one-movement sonata. Although Medtner has been gaining some momentum in the last decade, he is still a vastly underestimated composer. Most pianists, when ready to tackle Russian repertoire turn to Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. Medtner is sadly always last on the list. Fortunately for me, it was the first Russian work I ever played, so including it in this performance is very special to me. Considering that I was 14 when I first played it, it is to this day a very important chapter of my life.
This Sonata commences a set of eight pieces entitled "Forgotten Melodies (First Cycle)". It was completed in 1920, the year before Medtner emigrated. This single movement sonata is one of Medtner's most poetic creations; as the title indicates, its character is nostalgic and wistful. Other pieces in opus 38 contain variants of the Sonata's opening theme, such as the concluding "Alla Reminiscenza".Vassily Primakov
Classical Music | Piano Music
Nikolai Medtner
Sonata Reminiscenza in A minor, Op.38, No.1 Play
Recorded on 08/28/2014, uploaded on 04/04/2014
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
There is such lyricism and poetry in this wonderfully ethereal one-movement sonata. Although Medtner has been gaining some momentum in the last decade, he is still a vastly underestimated composer. Most pianists, when ready to tackle Russian repertoire turn to Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. Medtner is sadly always last on the list. Fortunately for me, it was the first Russian work I ever played, so including it in this performance is very special to me. Considering that I was 14 when I first played it, it is to this day a very important chapter of my life.
This Sonata commences a set of eight pieces entitled "Forgotten Melodies (First Cycle)". It was completed in 1920, the year before Medtner emigrated. This single movement sonata is one of Medtner's most poetic creations; as the title indicates, its character is nostalgic and wistful. Other pieces in opus 38 contain variants of the Sonata's opening theme, such as the concluding "Alla Reminiscenza". Vassily Primakov
More music by Nikolai Medtner
Canzona serenata, from Forgotten Motives Op. 38
Canzona serenata, from Forgotten Motives Op. 38
Tale, Op. 26, No. 3 in f minor
O’er Thee I Bend, Op. 24, No. 5
Tale, Op. 34, No. 2 in 3 minor
Day and Night, Op. 24, No. 1
Twilight, Op. 24, No. 4
Sonata no. 13 in F minor, Op. 53, No. 2, "Minacciosa"
Fairy Tale, Op. 51, No. 3
Primavera from “Forgotten Melodies” Book 2, Op. 39, No 3
Performances by same musician(s)
Impromptu Op. 90 No. 1 in c minor, D. 899
Sonata No. 4 in F-sharp Major, Op.30
Pièce, Op. 39
Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major (transcribed for cello)
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