Medtner in England

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Nikolai Medtner's late-Romantic compositions with "Medtner in England," a stunning new release from SOMM Recordings. This album offers a deep dive into the musical life of the Russian composer, who spent the latter part of his career in England. Featuring the extraordinary talents of violinist Natalia Lomeiko, pianist Alexander Karpeyev, and baritone Theodore Platt, this recording showcases Medtner's unique voice, which has been likened to that of Brahms for its seriousness, craftsmanship, and subtle incorporation of ethnic influences.

The album opens with Medtner's monumental Violin Sonata No. 3 in E Minor, Op. 57, subtitled "Epica." This four-movement work, composed between 1935 and 1938, is a testament to Medtner's mastery of the sonata form and his ability to evoke a wide range of moods and atmospheres. The Sonata-Idylle in G Major, Op. 56, follows, offering a more introspective and lyrical contrast to the epic scale of the violin sonata.

The second half of the album is dedicated to Medtner's vocal works, with all eight songs from Op. 61 performed with sensitivity and nuance by Theodore Platt. These songs, composed between 1927 and 1951, explore themes of love, longing, and the human condition, with texts drawn from a variety of sources, including German and Russian poetry.

Recorded in 2022 at the Wyastone Concert Hall in the UK, "Medtner in England" benefits from the exceptional acoustics and state-of-the-art recording technology, ensuring that every detail of the performers' artistry is captured with crystal clarity. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Medtner's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. With a running time of 1 hour and 14 minutes, it's a substantial and rewarding listening experience.

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.