Concept: A Medtner program

[iumonito]

Hi all,

It was just a matter of time.  I have caught the Medtner bug (great consolation: Rachmaninoff did too!) so I am thinking of giving myself the goal to learn over the next two years about an hour's worth of his music.

Here is the concept program.  I am trying to avoid the very major works (such as the Night Wind Sonata, Op. 25 No. 2, which was recently posted in the sheet request area, thanks a lot):

Skazka Op. 20 No. 1
(

)

Skazka Op. 51 No. 3
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Sonata Tragica Op. 39 No. 5
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)

***

Skazka Op. 26 No. 1
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Sonata Reminiscenza Op. 38 No. 1
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Ideas and comments are welcome.

[quantum]

I like.  I would go..

What is your reasoning behind ending with Reminiscenza?  Not that am opposed to such a decision, just want to know.

[iumonito]

I have no particular reasoning, other than it is the longest and arguably most substantial piece in the program.

Although quite virtuosic (in the highest sense of the word), I don't find this music particularly outwardly, so I get the sense that a serene, rather than loud and fast, ending may be the way to go.


I think the program is a little short at the moment, but maybe the thing to do is learn these 35-40 min of music first, and then later figure out another 20min-worth of literature.

This music is so compact and succint!  It reminds me of J.S. Bach.

Query: do you know whether there is clear documentation of the extra-musical components of this music?  With a title like Tale, at least those must have a clear literary source.

[iumonito]

Wow, I have now started to read the music at the piano and this is really fun.  How did I go for so long not finding out about this composer?!!

Upon a little more conceptualizing, I think this is a better program:

Tale Op. 14 No. 1 (Ophelia's Song)
Tale Op. 20 No. 1
Tale Op. 51 No. 3
Sonata-Tale Op. 25 No. 1

***

Tale Op. 26 No. 1
Sonata Reminiscenza Op. 38 No. 1
Sonata Tragica Op. 39 No. 5
Tale Op. 51 No. 6

It wil definitely take a while to get those absorbed, but I think it is going to be worthwhile.  I'll keep you posted.

[hodi]

yes! another one got addicted to medtner
he is currently my favorite composer!

his compositions are so emotional yet so intellectual.
he got the perfect balance between head and heart

by the way, hear his:
Night Wind Sonata
Romantica Sonata
tales: op.20/1 op.26 - 1/2, op.14/2 (march of the paladin)
Sonata no .1 in f minor
all masterpieces.

[rachfan]

Hi iumonito,

I think you have good courage doing an all-Medtner program!  I've been delving into Sergei Bortkiewicz's music exclusively lately, so can very well understand your getting the "bug" and being so enthusiastic with your affinity to Medtner's music.  I'm only going to make a few general comments rather than making suggestions on the Medtner repertoire, quite frankly because I'm not sufficiently knowledgeable in that regard.

On program length, you should probably structure it aiming for a program of 55 to 60 minutes, perhaps with two short breaks, or one longer mid-point intermission.  If you're coming up short, perhaps the pairing of a couple of additional short works would fill the gap nicely.

Medtner's music does not feature melodies that take flight in the playing.  Fact is, he's kind of stingy with his melodies.  This might raise the challenge in putting the music over to a broad audience.  That's not to criticize Mednter, or discourage you.  Just be aware that there will likely be very different reactions to an all-Medtner program.

Finally, his music, from what I've listened to so far, is often complex with thick textures.  One might have to listen to a piece three times to grasp its essence.  So in helping to champion this music, realize that many people might not find the music obviously and readily accessible at first.  But that's OK--every champion has to start somewhere in helping to bring neglected music before the public.  The main thing is simply to do your best in serving the composer.  If you succeed in that, the rest will take care of itself.

Best of luck with your planning.  I hope that you'll be able to actually turn your plan into a recital! 

[quantum]

Wow, I have now started to read the music at the piano and this is really fun.  How did I go for so long not finding out about this composer?!!

Listing to Medtner is one thing.  But when you involve yourself in the music the solidity of his compositional craft draws you in even further.