The three piano concerti of Nikolai Medtner, his only orchestral works, belong to the most fascinating yet underrated pieces of the repertoire. Hardly ever discussed in music scholarship, they present an astonishing variety of melodic contours and formal designs. The third concerto even features a narrative dimension, portraying the mythical figure of Rusalka in derivation from a Lermontov poem. My approach to the three concerti has now been published in VAN Magazin, including a number of musical examples. Hope you enjoy the read!
Streaming Releases #3–5
Some more releases of my music are live on all relevant streaming platforms: a solo piano piece, Fantasia come una Sonata, of 2003, as well as two choral works, Maienlied and Erstes Elegisches Gedicht, also composed some twenty years ago. During the next months I will add other pieces in chronological order. Many thanks to all the performers who agreed on making these recordings available! I’d be delighted if you stop by, have a listen, and leave some likes or playlist adds. #streamscometrue
Medtner January 1: Lecture Recital
I have the pleasure of designing a public lecture recital at Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf, taking place in the framework of the university’s piano music festival of this term, curated by my colleague Tobias Koch.
On Saturday, 20 January, 6 pm, we will present a programme of Nikolai Medtner‘s sonatas and vocal music, centered around multiple references to Goethe’s poetry in the music. I will be performing and commenting on the Sonata-Elegy from the Sonata Triad, Op. 11, and Sonata-Vocalise, Op. 41 No. 1, with soprano Stefanie Kathrin Fischer. The other performers on stage will be Agnes Konnerth, Giuseppe D’Elia, Sofiia Loboda, and Victoria Lucretia Nava. After that, Latvian pianist Sergejs Osokins will include some more Medtner in his guest recital at 7:30 pm. Everybody is cordially invited!
Talking About Oneself
While everybody is sharing their achievements and track records at the end of the year, I thought I’d contribute some contrary experiences as I feel that we far less readily talk about things and endeavours that do not turn out well. So here we go: In the last few months I had two article submissions rejected by prestigious journals, failed in two competitive academic job interviews, and unsuccessfully applied for the board of the Berlin music council. Besides, I didn’t compose anything substantial for more than a year.
This is not to imply that I am generally unhappy with my professional career, of course. I am still very content with my current teaching position, pursue some fruitful research and publishing activities, and continually enjoy the musical output and growing proficiency of my adorable children.
What are your recent failures and missed opportunities? Please share and provide some counterpoint to the ubiquitous showing off 🙂
However, have a great holiday season and lots of success, satisfaction, and rewarding experiences in the coming year!
Interview with Two Multimedial Composers
Some months ago I conducted a fascinating interview with two multimedial music creators from Berlin: the film composer Dascha Dauenhauer and the instrumental and electroacoustic composer Martin Grütter. We talked about their preferred working methods and environments, aesthetic influences, and ways of making their music available and accessible. The interview has now been published in the online magazine niusic.de. Hope you enjoy the read!