A Performer's Analysis of Eight Piano Sonatas of Nicholas Medtner

Sarah Louise Kinley, Butler University

Abstract

The piano sonatas of Nicholas Medtner are only a portion of the great heritage bequeathed to the piano by one of the most unique and significant, although relatively unknown, modern Russian composers. Medtner's personality penetrates his compositions but can be truly discovered only through considerable study of and acquaintance with his music. "But to the earnest and sincere student approaching with goodwill and sympathetic spirit, this music will yield treasures of grave and sad, but great and most moving, beauty. "1