Rediscovering the Neglected Music of Florence Price
As many of you may well know, I am a staunch advocate of performing unfamiliar repertory, especially works by lesser-known composers....
Stunning Lyricism in Medtner, Sonata Triad, Op. 11, No. 3
It has been a while since I wrote a post on Nikolai Medtner. Since I will be playing some of his music in an upcoming Rallentando...
Unearthing Rare Piano Music Gems in an Idyllic German Town
I recently stumbled across an article on Interlude about a unique summer music festival that centralizes on the performances of rare and...
How Nikolai Medtner Fell in Love with His Brother's Wife
In the summer of 1903, Nikolai Medtner visited Emil and Anna, the young composer's older brother and his wife, after a prolonged period...
Nikolai Medtner's Heavenly Music Creations
Eight Mood Pictures, Op. 1 "An angel was flying through the midnight sky, singing softly; and the moon, and the stars, and the clouds in...
Musical Explorations: The Magical Creativity in Nikolai Medtner's Fairy Tales
I have been practicing a bit of Medtner for my upcoming concert in a couple weeks at Miami University and for my recording project of his...
Protest Music: Rzewski, Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues
As I mentioned in last week’s post, I am interested in works that are programmatic, pieces that contain a story, because I believe that...
Storytelling in J.S. Bach: Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother
Let us take a brief break from the late romantic/20th century literature and rewind back to an early work of J.S. Bach: Capriccio on the...
Musical Explorations: Visiting Lukas Foss, Capriccio for Cello and Piano
I just finished rehearsing Lukas Foss, Capriccio for Cello and Piano (1948), with Cole Tutino, Professor of Cello at Miami University. We...
Musical Explorations: Visiting Nikolai Medtner
Many of you may know that I am currently recording the complete solo piano works of forgotten Russian romantic composer, Nikolai Medtner....