Hamelin plays Medtner - Piano Concerto No. 2 (3rd mvt) Audio + Sheet music

[cowheadcow]

After seeing that Coda, I'm convinced Hamelin hacks.

[keybawd]

It is sad that the Medtner concertos get played so rarely. There's hardly a pianist these days who doesn't do all the Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev concertos and these get played ad nauseam. Why don't a few of these pianists push for performances of the Medtner concertos. Thanks for posting.

[fierydog]

@keybawd True. I am a pianist though and if you were one would you rather spend time on the Rachmaninoff concerti or... Medtner concerti? Don't get me wrong I like Medtner but his concerti are much lower on my list than many others. Concerti take a LOT of time to learn so when it comes down to it I will want learn Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev before going to Medtner. But don't get me wrong, I also want to do justice to underplayed pieces but the chances of me having the time to do so is minimal.

[keybawd]

@fierydog You're a pianist. So was I. However I wonder if you're a succesful PROFESSIONAL pianist in sufficient demand to choose or suggest what you play. If Radu Lupu decides he wants to play the Medtner concertos, If Horowitz decided to play the Poulenc Concerto, there's no promoter who would refuse. Thousands of 2nd rate professionals learning Rach 3 is a waste of time - they won't get engagements. How many offers have you had to play a Rach concerto professionally in the last few years?

[fierydog]

@keybawd Ok well how many professional pianists do you think can memorize repertoire as fast as Hamelin or Lugansky do? For most it doesn't come as quickly. I am sure as a professional pianist learning Medtner concerti is still no easy task. It isn't a waste of time for me to learn anything though... It is only a waste of time from your perspective as a consumer who is tired of hearing the same old same old because nobody is willing to record anything somewhat obscure. I see what you mean...

[NOSEhow2LIV]

That's the way to do it! I've sometimes critiçose MAH's speedy nervosity but here, it gives raison d'etre to this thorny finale, unsuccessful in almost any performance including the composer's! Some passages have the energy & vitality of the young Prokofiev,(who admired and followed Medtner, despite himself!), It helps to have a great orchestra and a conductor who is also an attentive partner. I've heard most of the recordings and seen it "live" twice.....this one's the best!