Four Pieces, Op. 4

The Four Pieces, Op. 4 are among Medtner's earliest published piano works and offer a fascinating glimpse into the formation of his mature style. Composed while he was still a student and young professional in Moscow, these pieces combine Romantic virtuosity with the motivic concentration and structural discipline that would later characterize his sonatas and Skazki. The set consists of four contrasting character pieces: an Étude, Caprice, Moment musical ("Gnomenklage" / Gnome's Lament), and Prélude.