Music Review: Susan Chan, Irina Feoktistova, Sally Pinkas, and Ann Schein - Music For Classical Piano - Page 2

Poems & Fairy Tales, The Piano Music of Medtner & Scriabin – Irina Feoktistova (MSR 1326)
Russian pianist Irina Feoktistova’s exploration of the piano music of Nikolai Medtner (1880-1951) and Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915) has resulted in the release of a new CD entitled, Poems & Fairy Tales. Both of these Russian composers are renowned for their complex use of harmonies and rich tonal quality within their various compositions.

The collection opens with Irina’s performance of Medtner’s “Fairy Tale In B-Flat Minor, Op. 20 No. 1”. This is followed by his “Sonata-Reminiscenza, Op. 38, No. 1”. Both reveal a complexity of composition that is expertly performed by Ms. Feoktistova. Medtner wrote almost exclusively for the piano and was considered second only to Rachmaninov who dedicated his “Fourth Piano Concerto” to him.

His work was admired by the greatest of Russian pianists including Gilels, Richter, and Istomin. Another, Vladimir Horowitz, stated that Medtner’s piano compositions were, ‘in some ways deeper than Rachmaninov’s’. Certainly, Irina’s twelve minute performance of his melodic and poetic “Sonata-Reminiscenza” contains a deeply nostalgic, and atmospheric beauty.

Alexander Scriabin supplies the brief yet highly satisfying “Etude In C-Minor, Op. 2, No. 1). Also performed are “Eight Preludes, Op. 11” in various keys, “Etude In D-Sharp Minor, Op. 8, No. 12”, Prelude In A Major, Op. 8, No. 12”, “Two Poems, Op. 32”, “Album Leaf In E-Flat, Op. 45, No. 1, and finally “Poem, ‘Vers la Flamme’, Op. 72”.

Scriabin is often referred to as one of the most controversial composers of his time. In spite of this his work has subsequently influenced many composers and performers and was described by Leo Tolstoy as, ‘a sincere expression of genius’. He wrote almost exclusively for the piano, an instrument on which he was an undoubted master.

He was prepared to push back technical boundaries making his work demanding yet ultimately satisfying to perform. His short life saw a rapid development of style and progression. His poems, Op. 32, and Op. 72, both included here, represent a major shift from his earlier Chopin influence.

Irina Feoktistova more than rises to the many technical challenges laid down by Scriabin on this excellent album.

Robert Schuman - Sally Pinkas (MSR 1323)
Israeli born Sally Pinkas performs compositions by Robert Schumann (1810-1856) for this, her latest album. Schumann’s musical style can be seen as being highly influenced by his predecessors Beethoven and Schubert. However, the pianoforte had by now developed and allowed Schumann to further explore the richer sound that had become available. The result sees many ambitious compositions that managed to create near orchestral atmospheres.

Article Author: Jeff Perkins

Jeff is a writer who lives in France. He writes CD/DVD box sets, music reviews and has had a book published about David Byron of Uriah Heep. He is 'busy' exploring the music of Europe with his wife Debbie and dog Dylan. It's Dylan that does the writing of course. …

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