Nikolai Medtner

[etlx]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what piece(s) would be a good introduction to Medtner’s music? I know much of his output is considered structurally complex and often deemed inaccessible, so are there any works you would recommend for first time listening that you enjoy which give a good idea of his style - yet are also fairly accessible?

[quantum]

Try the Forgotten Melodies.  Op 38, 39, 40.

Take a listen to this excellent recording by one of our forum members of Fairy Tale Op. 35 no. 4:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=35507.0

[ramseytheii]

Here is another post with the same topic:

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=35131.0

I recommended pieces from op.26, which are all on the easier side except for the last one which has a typically opaque notation style and is hard to decipher; also from Forgotten Melodies op.39, no.4 Canzona matinata, or some from op.51.  Nothing is really easy I am afraid. 

Walter Ramsey

[franz_]

Does he have a piece between 5 and 10 minutes of lenght?

[etlx]

Thanks. Although I'm not really looking for a piece to learn, as I’m pretty new to Medtner.
I was mostly just interested in where a good place to start with listening to his music.
      I’m trying to delve into his music in such a way that I can form a fairly accurate opinion, and not also be disappointed with his other compositions (if I began by listening to something I really enjoy that others just don’t match up to).
The only piece so far that I might want to learn in the future is the "Sonata-Skazka”Op. 25 – No.1, but I haven’t really looked much into it.

[ahinton]

Does he have a piece between 5 and 10 minutes of lenght?

Medtner has pieces from a couple of minutes or so up to around three quarters of an hour in length and he rarely wrote much below his best.

Best,

Alistair

[ramseytheii]

Thanks. Although I'm not really looking for a piece to learn, as I’m pretty new to Medtner.
I was mostly just interested in where a good place to start with listening to his music.
      I’m trying to delve into his music in such a way that I can form a fairly accurate opinion, and not also be disappointed with his other compositions (if I began by listening to something I really enjoy that others just don’t match up to).
The only piece so far that I might want to learn in the future is the "Sonata-Skazka”Op. 25 – No.1, but I haven’t really looked much into it.

Oh, I see.  From a listener's perspective I think op.20 is a good starting point; also op.26 and op.51.  Those are all Fairy Tales.  Oh and op.14.

For sonatas, the Sonata reminiscenza, sonata tragica, and the incomparable Night Wind Sonata are good places to start.  The sonata reminiscenza is the most commonly played, and one of his works that is nearest to being considered in the standard repertoire. 

I am less familiar with his three concerti, but I heard the third concerto only once and enjoyed it from what I remember.  These are long and involved works.

For songs, I would listen to his Russian songs first, and the Goethe songs next.

Don't forget he has several other pieces that aren't fairy tales or sonatas, like the wonderful Hymns in Praise of Toil, or the Russian Round Dance and Knight Errant for two pianos.  I am less enamored with the individual pieces of Vergessene Weisen (op.38, 39 and 40).  They seem to ramble to me, and not be as distinct.

Walter Ramsey

[tornado]

I warmly recommend Canzona Serenata!

[etlx]

I instantly liked ‘Knight Errant’, upon first listen it reminded me a bit of Grieg’s piano sonata at times. Thank you very much for those recommendations, I’ve been listening to those sonatas and enjoying them, although I’m saving the Night Wind for later.

[ramseytheii]

Oh and of course I love the Second Improvisation, op.47 which has really fanciful, mermaid-themed titles.  I somehow forgot to mention it!

This piece is a 30 minute cycle of short movements, similar to a Schumann.

Walter Ramsey