Nicholas Medtner (1880-1951) has always been a neglected figure in the history of Russian music, and yet his friend Rachmaninoff considered him the greatest of contemporary composers. He wrote three fine piano concertos, more than one hundred solo piano compositions, including a cycle of fourteen sonatas fully worthy to be set alongside those of Scriabin and Prokofiev, and many beautiful songs. He was also a great pianist. Leaving Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution, Medtner lived for a time in Germany and France before finally settling in London, where he passed the final sixteen years of his life. The present work is the first to tell the full story of his eventful life and to consider in turn each of his compositions. The author has drawn on Medtner's own correspondence and writings and collected the reminiscences of those who knew him personally to build a comprehensive picture of a great, if still largely unrecognised, musician.
Reviews
'Martyn's sympathetic and interesting biography; with its excellent descriptions of Medtner's music, is well worth exploring.' Robin Zebaida, Classical Music 'All enthusiasts will want a copy and all libraries should have one.' Musical Times 'Martyn always has some useful insights to offer; above all, because he is devoted to Medtner's music, knows it intimately and can write about it with an enthusiasm that is both infectious and sensitive, his attractively written book should help foster a climate favourable to the production of a truly definitive study of Medtner. Meanwhile, for the foreseeable future it will do its subject's cause excellent service.' Music and Letters '... a comprehensive monograph that helps to restore Medtner's name to the pages of music history.' Clavier Magazine



Book Information
ISBN 9781138248953
Author Barrie Martyn
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 580g