Nikolaï Demidenko - Medtner: Demidenko plays Medtner (1993)

Tracklist

01. Forgotten Melodies I, Op. 38: VI. Canzona serenata in F Minor. Moderato
02. Tales "Skazki", Op. 20: I. Allegro con espressione
03. Sonaten-Triade, Op. 11: II. Sonata in D Minor "Sonata-Elegy"
04. Forgotten Melodies II, Op. 39: IV. Canzona matinata in G Major. Allegretto cantando, ma sempre con moto
05. Forgotten Melodies II, Op. 39: V. Sonata tragica in C Minor. Allegro risoluto
06. Theme and Variations in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 55
07. 3 Dithyramben, Op. 10: II. Mit höchstem Pathos
08. Forgotten Melodies I, Op. 38: I. Sonata-Reminiscenza in A Minor. Allegretto tranquillo

Among the most enigmatic figures of the twentieth century, Medtner was an apostle of conscience. He placed a premium on baroque polyphony, on classical structure, on a manner of thematic integration and cyclic metamorphosis romantic in legacy. He celebrated, he developed, he concentrated the sonata ideal. He was a resolute tonalist, a poetic melodist of the old guard. His most complex work does not clarify easily. Let this not deter us. Creatively the equal of his two most famous emigré compatriots Rachmaninov and Stravinsky, metaphorically like an Arthurian knight of old impassioned by his lady, Medtner was an artist in love with the beauty of his muse. He played for beauty’s sake. He composed for beauty’s sake.

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