Ich Denke Dein: Songs & Chamber Works by Nikolai Medtner
Rachel Joselson, Sasha Burdin & Scott Conklin
In recent years, interest in Russian composer Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951) has surged. International festivals, conferences, and competitions dedicated to Medtner have taken place in Europe and Russia, with scholars and performers devoting greater attention to his work. This recording features Medtner's songs and a work for violin and piano. His songs interweave the piano and voice to enhance the music flow and to bring out the deep poetic meaning in each piece. The pianist, Sasha Burdin, has devoted a great deal of research to the piano works of Medtner with his DMA focused on Medtner. Soprano Rachel Joselson enjoys a distinguished career as an opera singer, recitalist, and teacher. She is currently on the faculty at the University of Iowa. This is her third recording for Albany Records. Violinist Scott Conklin, also on the faculty at the University of Iowa, is known for his "brilliance of tone and charismatic delivery." A champion of new music, his discography includes two recordings for Albany Records.
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Track Listing
| Title | Composer | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Goethelieder, Op. 15 | Nikolai Medtner | Rachel Joselson (soprano); Sasha Burdin (piano) |
| Canzonas and Dances, Op. 43 II | Nikolai Medtner | Scott Conklin (violin); Sasha Burdin (piano) |
| Sonate Vocalise, Op. 41, I | Nikolai Medtner | Rachel Joselson (soprano); Sasha Burdin (piano) |
| Suite-Vocalise, Op. 41, II | Nikolai Medtner | Rachel Joselson (soprano); Sasha Burdin (piano) |
| Winter Evening, Op. 13, No. 1 | Nikolai Medtner | Rachel Joselson (soprano); Sasha Burdin (piano) |
Reviews
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"One of the greatest joys that music affords the inquisitive and intrepid listener is the revelatory excitement of encountering marvelous music for the first time. One is likely to experience that joy again and again in listening to the release at hand, which features a generous sampling of art songs by Russian composer Nikolai (1880–1951.) Medtner composed more than 100 vocal works, and they represent a veritable treasure trove of greatness that deserves to be much better known. Soprano Rachel Joselson and pianist Sasha Burdin perform these songs with an irresistible combination of unbridled passion and meticulous polish. Joselson's voice is just the kind of rich and vibrant instrument that one wants in such succulent music. Her sound is powerful and beautiful in every register, and it rings out easily in the high-flying climaxes that Medtner so often serves up. She is also adept at spinning softer sounds with poise and evenness when called upon. Sasha Burdin is a marvelous collaborator, and one especially appreciates his work in the more flamboyant songs that call for the technical chops of a concert pianist. What is especially impressive, however, is the perfect sync between these two musicians. Even in the most difficult of these songs, there is not even a hint of uneasiness. They perform as one. These praiseworthy performances are captured in vivid sound. Full texts and translations are provided along with program notes that discuss the composer's life as well as his legacy as a song composer. One could not ask for a better introduction to this accomplished composer's songs."
*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.