An Analytical Study of the piece Ein Idyll for Piano by Nikolai Medtner

Document Type : Original Article

Author

specfici education faculty minia university music education

Abstract

Music is a magical language that requires no translation, as it resonates with the soul and expresses emotions that words fail to convey. The piano, as one of the most captivating instruments, has attracted the attention and affection of many composers. Throughout the 20th century, music in Russia flourished significantly, with the government implementing a long-term cultural and musical policy. The primary objective of this policy was to emphasize the importance of music in the daily lives of millions of people, and the need to create music that reflects the new societal reality, emerging from its philosophy and principles, while remaining rooted in Russian traditions and heritage.

Nikolai Medtner, a distinguished Russian pianist, composer, and teacher, played a crucial role not only in the history of Russian music but also in Western European music. His contributions spanned the fields of composition, performance, and music pedagogy. This research provides a theoretical framework by reviewing previous studies related to the topic, offering an overview of 20th-century music and Russian music, along with a brief biography of the composer Nikolai Medtner, his style, and his most significant works. The research follows a descriptive and analytical approach in examining the piano piece "Poetic Scene" (Ein Idyll).

The study presents a detailed analysis of the piece from both theoretical and performance perspectives, highlighting some of the challenges that performers may encounter when interpreting the work. It also offers suggestions and guidelines to help overcome these performance difficulties.

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