After Russia, England was where Medtner received the most recognition, with critics praising his 'rare beauty, rich imagination and nobility of feeling'.
Compositional Technique
As a pianist on par with Rachmaninoff, Medtner's piano works are technically demanding and central to his compositions, including 3 piano concertos and 14 piano sonatas.
Compositional Technique
Medtner considered melody one of the most important elements in his music, and his composing technique shows an impeccable sense of structure, form, and counterpoint.
Performer Biography
Ekaterina Levental, the mezzo-soprano on this album, was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and studied singing and harp, earning cum laude master's degrees in both.
Interpretation
Medtner's music is very demanding for performers, requiring great virtuosity from the pianist and expansive, high-ranging lines from the singer, with both parts having equal importance.
Composer Biography
Medtner's life can be divided into three periods: Russian (1880-1921), years of wandering in Germany and France (1921-1935), and English (1935-1951).
Composer's Artistic Vision
Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951), the composer, believed he did not invent music but rather discovered eternal truths, seeing himself as a medium.
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