Medtner: Contes & Poèmes

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Nikolai Medtner's piano compositions with the captivating album "Medtner: Contes & Poèmes." Released on October 21, 2008, by Mirare, this collection showcases the brilliance of one of Russia's most distinguished early-20th-century composers, who spent the latter part of his life in the UK. The album features the virtuoso performances of Boris Berezovsky, who masterfully interprets Medtner's intricate and evocative works.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical piano music, encompassing a variety of genres and styles. Medtner's "Contes" (or "Fairy Tales") are particularly noteworthy, as they represent some of his most personal and distinctive compositions. The album also includes a selection of "Poèmes," or poems set to music, which showcase Medtner's ability to translate the nuances of language into the rich language of the piano.

The tracklist is a journey through Medtner's creative output, featuring works such as "Mélodie No. 2 en mi mineur," "Trois Romances, Op. 3," and "Conte No. 2 en mi mineur," among others. Each piece is a testament to Medtner's unique compositional voice, blending Romantic sensibilities with a distinctly Russian musical idiom. The album is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the depths of classical piano music and discovering the timeless works of Nikolai Medtner.

Nikolai Medtner, a towering figure in the world of classical piano, was a Russian composer and pianist whose music continues to captivate audiences with its intricate beauty and lyrical depth. Born in Moscow in 1880, Medtner was a contemporary of Sergei Rachmaninoff and Alexander Scriabin, and his works often draw comparisons to theirs, yet his unique voice stands out with its rich harmonies and complex counterpoint. Medtner's compositions, which include 14 piano sonatas, three piano concertos, and a wealth of songs and chamber music, are deeply rooted in late-Romantic traditions, eschewing modernist trends in favor of classical structures and symbolic expression.

Medtner's life was marked by significant upheaval, including the Bolshevik Revolution, which led him to seek refuge in London in 1936. Despite periods of obscurity, his music has seen a resurgence in recognition, and he is now celebrated as one of the most significant Russian composers for the piano. Medtner's works, characterized by their aristocratic refinement and sometimes tragic depth, offer a journey through the emotional landscape of the human experience, making them a must-explore for any classical music enthusiast.