Presents
Nikolai Medtner
Two Canzonas with Dances for Violin and Piano, Op.43
Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951 was born in Moscow and studied piano with his mother before entering the Moscow Conservatory, having studied with Sergei Taneyev among others. A first rate pianist, he nonetheless, at the urging of Taneyev, gave up the career as a performer and turned to composition. Medtner stayed in Russia after the Revolution until 1924 at which point he embarked on a concert tour of North America under the aegis of his friend Rachmaninov. He eventually settled in London where devoted his time to composing and teaching. Medtner wrote in what might be called a late Romantic and post romantic style. Unlike Rachmaninov, he did not try to write exclusively Russian-sounding music but sought to write in a supra national or international style as had Taneyev and Tchaikovsky. But like them, his music does have its moments where it is very Russian.
The Two Canzonas with Dances date from 1922. Each of the Canzonas demonstrate Medtner's ability to write flowing melodies while the dances or more rhythmic. It is not known whether Medtner intended the works to be played all at one go. Played all together, they are the equal of a medium length sonata, but any one of the these movements could be used separately.
Parts: $19.95
