Search - Nikolay Medtner, Nikolai Demidenko :: Demidenko plays Medtner

Classic Romanticism Beautifully Rendered

Walter Fekula | New York, NY USA | 11/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nikolai Karlolovich Medtner (5 Jan. 1880-Moscow died 13 Nov. 1951-London) was one of the greatest pianists of his generation. Both his parents were of German descent whose families lived in Russia for several generations. His talents were recognized early and he entered the Moscow Conservatory at the age of 12. His decision to become a composer was largely his own, but he did continue to play the piano. He returned to the Moscow Conservatory where he taught piano at which time he became friends with Rachmaninoff. In 1921, Medtner emigrated to the west and after spending some years in Paris he finally settled in England where he spent the rest of his life. Apart from a single piano tour in Russia in 1927, he never saw his homeland again. He married his ex- sister-in-law in 1919. His musical output consists of 100 beautiful songs taken from Pushkin and Goethe, a few chamber works and many piano compositions. He went his own way and is one of the most under-rated composers of the 20th Century. This is a wonderful recording which captures a wide range of his piano work from his "Skazka" (fairy tale) to his Canzona and Sonatas. Eight compositions in all, each exquisitely played by one of my favorite contemporary pianists, Nikolai Demidenko. This excellent recording was made in September 1992. We are very fortunate to live in an age where we can easily listen to and enjoy such refined music. Don't bother getting bogged down in the gobbledygook in the liner describing the works. Just listen."

Buy this excellent introduction to medtner

Walter Fekula | 06/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this cd is rated very fine to super excellent. highly recommended introduction to medtner's solo piano works, passionately and brilliantly performed by the great Demidenko."