Search - Medtner, Liapunov, Sinding :: Romantic Piano Concerti 5

Medtner Surprise

Edward J. Kelley | Las Vegas, NV United States | 10/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this set on a whim, not being acquainted with any of the works contained therein. I had put the Medtner on as, I ashamedly admit, background music to a session of bill paying and letter writing. The 3rd Concerto caught my ear with its unique musical parlance, a kind of Rachmaninoff mixed with neo-classical influences that introduced me to Medtner's unique musical viewpoint. There is a place near the middle of the 3rd movement, when all activity ceases and the soloist begin to reflect on past materials that is other-worldly. The other concertos on the disc are interesting but at times hackneyed in their familiar tuttis and scale running. I'd highly recommend this Vox set for the Medtner and Ponti's extraordinary musicianship throughout. Listen a few times before making a judgement and perhaps the Medtner will overwhelm you as it did me. Think Rachmaninoff Third but with more restrained pathos but at times more cerebral pleasures-enjoy the adventure."

Sinding's/Medtner's Concertos will blow you away

R. Schneider | College Park, MD USA | 03/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Purchasing this set just for Sinding's and Medtner's concertos would be worth it. Beautiful and grandiose are two words that come immediately to mind. Sinding's concerto is a piece of music that has gone largely unnoticed, but it is by far my favorite piece on the album. The beauty of the melodies and harmonies are perfectly accompanied by the technicality of the piano. Grieg and Sinding were the two big Scandinavian composers at the time, and Sinding basically got shoved out of the limelight by Grieg. Though in my opinion Sinding's piano concerto beats Grieg's hands down. Even the finale is better (and if you've ever heard Grieg's concerto, you know it's got one hell of a finale).



But the two aforementioned concertos are not the only good ones. Balakirev's and Goetz's are great in their own right. Balakirev's being more modern, and Goetz's being more traditionally romantic. The Rhapsody on Ukranian themes won't delight as much as the other songs on the album, but it is good listen as well.



To sum up, if you have never heard of Sinding's concerto in d-flat or Medtner's 3rd concerto, then you must buy this album."

Treasures of high level!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 07/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This double album keeps for you interesting findings. Fantasy on Ukrainian themes is a magnificent musical work, expressive and deeply emotive; the Russian steppes, the Caucasian spirit, the exotic melodies. Reminds us so much to the overwhelming kaleidoscopic mind of Nikolai Rimsky Korsakov, undeniably the boldest and sophisticated composer in this genre.

Mili Balkirev 's piano Concert is extremely emotional composed by clever nuances. Michael Ponti has a percussive sound that fits appropriately.

The jewel of the crown may be this Nikolai Medtner Piano Concerto, a Russian composer that kept isolated from the musical flow in those ages. He was securely a potent source of inspiration for Alexander Scriabin. A difficult score loaded with dark poetry and elusive lyricism.

Christian Sinding is a worthy piece, and somehow is an extended Chamber work. Sinding was extremely influenced by Edvard Grieg, but there are curious involved motives.



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