Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Nikolai Medtner's piano works with this captivating album, released on November 1, 2004, under the prestigious Chandos label. Spanning a total of 78 minutes, this collection offers a rich tapestry of classical piano compositions that showcase Medtner's unique voice and masterful technique.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, including the evocative "Three Arabesques, Op. 7," the whimsical "Two Fairy Tales, Op. 8," and the charming "Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54." Each piece is a testament to Medtner's ability to blend lyricism, drama, and technical brilliance. The centerpiece of the album is the expansive "Second Improvisation, Op. 47," a multi-movement work that takes the listener on a journey through a variety of moods and characters, from the ethereal "Song of the Water Nymph" to the playful "Humoresque" and the dramatic "The Storm."
Nikolai Medtner, a Russian composer of the early twentieth century, was known for his rich harmonic language and his ability to create deeply expressive piano works. This album is a perfect introduction to his music, offering a selection of some of his most beloved and characteristic pieces. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
2004 Chandos Records2004 Chandos Records
Tracks
Three Arabesques, Op. 7: I. Idyll. Allegretto tranquillo e dolceNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Three Arabesques, Op. 7: II. Tragedy Fragment. Andante con moto - AdagioNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Three Arabesques, Op. 7: III. Tragedy Fragment. Allegro inquieto ma la rigore di tempoNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Two Fairy Tales, Op. 8: I. AndantinoNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Two Fairy Tales, Op. 8: II. RecitatoNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: I. Prelude. Allegretto con moto abbandonamenteNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: II. Bird's Tale. Allegretto con moto capriccioso e sempre leggieroNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: III. Prelude. Andantino mobileNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: IV. Tale. Allegro vivaceNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: V. Prelude. AllegrettoNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: VI. Tale. AllegroNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: VII. Prelude. Allegretto tranquilloNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Romantic Sketches for the Young, Op. 54: VIII. Tale. NarranteNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: Theme. The Song of the Water NymphNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: I. MeditationNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: II. CapriceNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: III. Feathered OnesNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: IV. CharmsNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: V. HumoresqueNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: VI. Among the WavesNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: VII. The Roar of the CrowdNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: VIII. Into the ForestNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: IX. The Wood SpriteNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: X. The ElvesNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: XI. The GnomesNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: XII. InvocationNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: XIII. The ThreatNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: XIV. Song of the Water NymphNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: XV. The StormNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer
Second Improvisation, Op. 47: ConclusionNikolai Medtner, Geoffrey Tozer