Pianophilia

Nikolai MEDTNER
Deux Contes pour Piano op. 20First edition, published by ÉDITION RUSSE DE MUSIQUE (RUSSISCHER MUSIKVERLAG G.M.B.H.)
M. at his best! In No. 1 he resembles his friend Rachmaninoff -
although generally being much more austere and often somewhat enigmatic.

Nikolai MEDTNER
Vier Märchen für Klavier (Quatre Contes pour Piano) op. 26
First edition, published by ÉDITION RUSSE DE MUSIQUE (RUSSISCHER MUSIKVERLAG G.M.B.H.)Among M.'s best and best known (i.e. most often published) shorter works.

Friedrich KLOSE
(German composer, 1862-1942; Pupil of Lachner and Bruckner.
Small but interesting oeuvre. Influenced by Bruckner, Wagner, Strauss)

Praeludium und Doppelfuge für Orgel (Choral am Schluss mit 4 Trompeten und 4 Posaunen)
Für Pianoforte zu zwei Händen bearbeitet von August Stradal An improvisatory Prelude and a double-fugue of Regerian dimensions in a typically
thick-textured Stradal transcription.
So this piece makes a good preliminary study for Reger's op. 81!

I think alfor is being unfair on Stradal here, the original organ piece is just as thickly textured and a real swine to play, in some ways Stradal has made it easier by absorbing the very difficult pedal line. I have been playing it off and on for the last five years and the organ piece too. Incidentally the whole piece is based on a motive used by Bruckner for an improvisation, now that I would have liked to have heard, might have even killed alfor for the chance (no offence meant alfor!).
regards
Brian

HullandHellandHalifax wrote:I think alfor is being unfair on Stradal here, the original organ piece is just as thickly textured and a real swine to play, in some ways Stradal has made it easier by absorbing the very difficult pedal line. I have been playing it off and on for the last five years and the organ piece too. Incidentally the whole piece is based on a motive used by Bruckner for an improvisation, now that I would have liked to have heard, might have even killed alfor for the chance (no offence meant alfor!).
regards
Brian

Always thankful for competent comments!! I have to admit that I do not know the original organ piece (would be very much interested in a recording!).
Of course Stradal is an excellent arranger but most of his transcriptions simply require a really good pianist.
Good to know that there are people out there who are able and willing to perform such rarities!

Nikolai MEDTNER
Zwei Märchen op. 48
No. 1 Tanzmärchen
No. 2 Elfenmärchen
First Edition Jul. Heinr. ZimmermannIn No. 1 M. makes typical sophisticated use of the simple rhythmic pattern 2 aginst 3.

audio:
Frank Merrick plays his Sonata in E Flat

...to comfort the romantic soul of Dr. H.....

alternative scan (?):

Génari KARGANOFF
Aquarelles. 5 Pièces pour Piano op. 22 While most of K.'s output for piano consists of Salonmusik of decent quality, these pieces appear
to be on a higher level so that they deserve the label "character pieces" rather than "Salonmusik".

Dear Alfred,

Karganoff is indeed comfort music which I very much enjoy! I wanted to thank you also for the beautifully scanned Medtner editions which you have recently been posting. They are an absolute joy to read through. Also, several of my absolute favorite Skazka were included in the group. As always, the quality of the music you post matches the scan quality...and it is all greatly appreciated!

All Best,


Dr. H.

Dear Frank,

you are welcome! Your posts are always comforting!
(More Karganoff to follow!)

All Best,

alfor

The unknown composer:

PENSÉES LYRIQUES
Dix compositions originales Hollandaises et Francaises pour piano
1er Volume (force moyenne) Fairly easy short works by Charles QUEF, Kor KINT, Dirk VAN DER STAM,
Frieso MOOLENAAR, Jac BONSET, Kor KUILER, C.F. HENDRICKS jr.

Dear Alfred

My periodic general thanks for this marathon series of postings. Seeing what's new has a part of my daily routine that I really look forward to. More Karganoff would be great - it's very charming, unpretentious music.

Best wishes

Dan