Nikolai Medtner: Sonata in E minor "Night Wind". Andrey Ponochevny (piano) Minsk 2011

[@lt6jam]

World needs more Medtner

[@georggeiersdorf1077]

Отзывы только положительные, присоединяюсь к ним. Просто потрясён и музыкой, и исполнением. Был совершенно не знаком с творчеством этого композитора. В ближайшее время ознакомлюсь. Спасибо!

[@alexeilyubimov7760]

I come back to this performance again and again. The BEST interpretation of this sonata!

[@dukkhamanavar9857]

the build up at 6:20 till the climax at 7:09 was so satisfying i could almost felt like i was facing the night wind and accepting all of its fury. My goodness this is such beautiful music.

[@zackwyvern2582]

Rare is it when a pianist with less than worldly fame lays claim to the position of "greatest recording, and reference to all future ones" on any pieces. Moravec was one such pianist, with the Chopin nocturnes; here, Ponochevey takes that prize with his flawless performance of this sonata. Everything is so well considered in this interpretation. The 4 voices - the melodic voice, the narrator of the events; the contrapuntal voice, the voice that appears to counter it, to join in, but not to take the spotlight; the colorful thick swathes of Medtner's special harmonic chords and arpeggios and runs; and the lustrous and enigmatic night wind, always present but never dominant, capricious and demanding. Ponochevey makes no noticeable mistakes and never falters in this recording. How amazing his progress was, in only a year. Surely as this sonata lives on, so does Ponochevey's brilliant interpretation of it.

[@hassansoliman970]

Such a beautiful comment❤

[@petetheterminator7932]

@bill Bloggs is this a joke?

[@eurisko618]

In my opinion this is the greatest piano sonata of the late romantic - early 20th century. It is brilliant in so many ways...and it is a beast to perform! This live performance is breathtaking!

[@DynastieArtistique]

I agree, I find the Night Wind, along with Feinberg’s 3rd Sonata, to be the greatest sonatas of the whole 20th century

[@NikoXanio]

This is one of my favourite piano works. Medtner is often on my playlist, whilst its a shame that more people aren't aware of him, its makes no difference to me because I get to enjoy this rare and precious luxury either way (as do all of you!). This performance is for want of a better word, perfect. The performer is completely in tune with the voice and spirit of this music. What a pleasure it is, a wonderful reminder that in the absence of all else in our lives, God allows us this gift.

[@stephanjwilliams]

This is also one of my favorite piano works, and along with Beethoven's Sonata No. 30, Op. 109 - my favorite piano sonata.

[@johannaalt9791]

can't believe this was a live recording, unbelievably good performance!

[@WMAlbers1]

This man has entirely made this sonata his own, and turned it in a hurricane. Astounding artistry!

[@InsaneHardt]

Thank you for uploading !

[@dgunde13gunderson78]

Hey, there, so glad SO MANY fans of MEDTNER. Horowitz loved him! just learning the 45 min 3 rd violin sonata! Douglas viola, piano, organ, recorders, guitar etc. SD CA

[@euartogullible]

I was listening to Medtner on KZbin, and it rotated through this. This is the greatest interpretation of this sonata ever. This sonata was NEVER one of my favorites by Medtner. But I was working in my office and I stopped what I was doing and said, "WOW!" This recording is incredible. Please record more Medtner! You obviously understand his music in a way that is recognizably special! This is not just a world class recording. This is a legendary recording.

[@alexs1504]

Greatest sonata I've ever heard, this performance is amazing

[@bongaz3547]

For some reason this sonata didn't capture my interest at first, I remeber thinking it was too chaotic and noisy, but listening to this now i love it, quite lyrical actually. A stellar recording, and live none the less!

[@adamkarnbrink1210]

Excellent performance, Andrey

[@bivwvid]

I'm blown away (no pun intended)! This is a towering achievement, a performance of dreams of a sonata I have long adored. Such depth, insight, detail, and passion in this performance. The long melodic structure unfolds like an epic narrative with the right tragic weight and sweep. I really don't know what to say...it is one of the only performances I can confidently say matches the piece itself, and for that you must be very well pleased. A towering achievement! So happy I found it!

[@ОванесБарсегян-с5ъ]

Gorgeous work ❤❤❤❤❤

[@vilniusviolin]

Яркое, красочное исполнение, затрагивающее глубину и суть этого шедевра музыки! На мой взгляд гениальное исполнение. Спасибо, Андрей!

[@antoniavignera2339]

Grandioso e formidabile Medtner.Bravissimo per la magistrale esecuzione Il pianista.

[@py4839]

The great music must touch our heart.

[@nicholasreis6654]

Masterful playing...Bravo!!!

[@wol4fram]

I saw him for the first time this summer in Las Cruces, NM. He managed to bring sparkling pianissimos and smooth legatos out of a baby grand Kawai in an acoustically poor concert hall. Now I'm discovering that he has also devoted his immense talent to sharing the most titanic work of one of my favorite composers. I'm really beginning to think that Medtner is finally coming out of the shadows. I'm seeing live performances and even student performances of his works show on youtube. Thank you, A. P

[@josephlecher6814]

I just to the area. Where did he perform?

[@luisfernandotapia451]

This rendition is by far the best I've heard. Inicially I didnt like Medtner,s music that much, but Im now in love with it.

[@НикитаМорозов-т7у]

The best. So emotional, sensual and thrilling. Upd: the best of the best!!!

[@milton3204]

This sonata is the product of true genius. Absolutely amazing. I pray that one day I'll have the resources to tackle this monster-piece.

[@TheMightyFork_]

Milton you won't have.. you're not human.

[@lsbrother]

how do you know he's not human?!

[@TheMightyFork_]

lsbrother he's a cartoon

[@lsbrother]

I see - how do you know he's a cartoon?

[@darrylschultz9311]

lsbrother All I can think of is that perhaps Alon once overheard a silly rumor that Mickey & Minnie Mouse had a son who they named Milton,and Alon not only believed it,but thinks that anyone called Milton might be the Mouse's boy!"Milton Mouse"-it's got a nice cheesy ring to it!

[@ehfik]

this quickly became my favorite piece of classical music. thank you for this wonderful performance!

[@山本隆-o5d]

なんて美しい、メランコリーに溢れた曲なんでしょう。ピアノ協奏曲も素晴らしいが、ソナタも聴いている人を虜にする魅力がある。ラフマニノフの陰に隠れているのかもしれぬが、多くの人に聴いて欲しいと思います。

[@ucj5421]

メトネル本当に良いですよね！！これからどんどん有名になってほしい作曲家のうちの一人です。

[@wol4fram]

I meant that I saw him this Spring for the first time. He was amazing.

[@alwatsonpianist]

Superb music and fantastic performance!!! Bravissimo

[@tonyrothman]

It's hard to imagine it being played better.

[@liampitcher]

It's impossible to imagine this played better.

[@oldbrassman2157]

Great performance on a masterful piece. Thank you for posting this.

[@KaiReeman]

Гениально

[@tomdis8637]

This performance for passion and beautiful shaping, Marc-Andre Hamelin for a magisterial, chiseled-in-stone, flawless one. A blessing to have both!

[@claudiolehmann775]

Great performance of this sonata by Mendner by Andrey Ponochevny

[@stephanjwilliams]

I'm blown away by both the composition and the performance. Absolutely stunning all the way around!

[@PSHEYACOOL]

Грандиозная соната и отличное исполнение. В этой сонате, по-моему, Метнер наиболее близок стилю Рахманинова (сохраняя самобытность, разумеется).Кстати, она и посвящена Рахманинову.

[@bsdkflh]

Fantastic playing, world class. I somewhat hesitantly agree with others here, this might be the best rendition of this immensely difficult work I've heard. Although the more I listen - the less doubts I have about that.

[@bsdkflh]

I have got to amend that. I had just noticed the word "live". Holy crap, this is LIVE? This is simply unheard of. I work with lots of recordings, this is a phenomenon. I hope you are in good health, Mr Ponovechny.

[@DynastieArtistique]

I consider this recording and Eckardsteins to be on par with eachother, even though i must admit, I enjoy Eckardstein’s slightly better

[@martinpianista]

Really wonderful performance!

[@c.g.marseille4510]

What a very, very nice piece of music this is !

[@pablokalincausky8359]

Fantastic interpretation !!! Well done, Andrey...

[@sophiagilmson7481]

Phenomenal performance! Thank you, Andrey!

[@janventer2892]

Brilliant pianism..!!!

[@kuang-licheng402]

best version

[@EnriqueGiliOrtiz]

¡Magnífico!

[@javiertw89]

Great sonata! And a marvelous performance. Thanks for uploading it.

[@blakeferguson5585]

8:02 when the 2 notes of the main theme come in it is like a doorbell to the netherworld

[@MOVINGCLASSICS]

wow, your performance is awesome! I enjoyed it!

[@johnmerrick9591]

Pretty fabulous playing of a great work.

[@dejanromih7913]

this is lovely, thank you!

[@CatkhosruShapurrjiFurabji]

Epic performance! My favourite sonata along with sonata romantica :)

[@segmentsAndCurves]

Minacciosa supremacy.

[@DynastieArtistique]

@@segmentsAndCurvesminacciosa night wind and ballade supremacy

[@rrozoff1]

Thanks so much for sharing this. Alas, in which century will Medtner at last be appreciated at his real worth?

[@benisaschahorowitz4576]

Grande Medtner!!!

[@ziegunerweiser]

Wonderful playing, I just ordered Mejoueva 's recording, it will be interesting to compare the differences.

[@andreystarikov1870]

Can anyone point me something equally sublime on youtube in terms of composition+performance.

[@Viktorvelat95]

Andrey Starikov yes, look up any recording by Ivan Moravec (especially Chopin ballades, barcarolle, nocturnes, scherzos or Debussy reflets dans l’eau) or Schumann f minor sonata played by Sokolov

[@andreystarikov1870]

@@Viktorvelat95 Spasibo! Excellent picks.

[@ranipinchuk3386]

The performance of Kissin of Medtner Sonata Reminiscenza, Op 38 No 1, in A minor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpSWe3qgeNepl6s

[@ranipinchuk3386]

Actually, I can add here the performance of Helene Grimaud of the Bach, Busoni - Chaconne in D minor BWV 1004: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaicdZ-Dg9Ojhq8 . The original piece by Bach (see kzbin.info/www/bejne/g53EpIBuYp6WZqc ) is already an amazing piece - the most beautiful piece ever written - and I always recommend listen to it several times before jumping to the Busoni interpretation of it. But Busoni did a miracle and took the most beautiful piece written and improved it!

[@andreystarikov1870]

@@ranipinchuk3386 thanks to your comment I discovered Helene. What lush sound she delivers!

[@robertflynn6686]

I believe Medtner outdid himself. I even heard a little Gershwin in there.

[@ostrafunda7068]

🌬🖤🌪

[@ranDOMreSERVEaCCount]

Is there a higher quality recording of this performance somewhere??

[@clepsyd]

Thank you for the great upload! BTW is the image a painting? If so, can anyone tell me by whom?

[@tonyrothman]

Looks like it might be a painting by Alexei Savrasov, but I'm not sure. Possibly Isaak Levitan

[@tonyrothman]

I'm pretty sure it's Savrasov, maybe even the one featured near the beginning of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m36km4ifltapis0

[@kelownapianoconsult5354]

So, not for nothing that Rachmaninoff said Medtner was the "finest composer of our times". Heady praise, or what?! Russians rule the piano, and the world of suspended fourths, swirling snow, and authentic tragedy.

[@adrianwright8685]

Night wind can be very disturbing

[@amybeach9559]

i love the schumannish sound behind it

[@linettemarie1104]

Sons d,'or enchantement L.Marie

[@halvard1218]

1:22 I hear a bit of Medtner's first piano concerto in here lol

[@user-ou8pe9it8j]

[@huathebard]

This is an amazing performance of a staggeringly difficult work. I have to ask though, is your profile pic ripped off your tinder or something?

[@SpaghettiToaster]

Is yours ripped from shutterstock?

[@DynastieArtistique]

@@SpaghettiToasterLMAOOOOO

[@williamshakemilk2192]

Image name?

[@vandret]

Panting by Alexei Savrasov

[@DaveD5929]

There are only two factors that prevent this from greatness, neither of which are the fault Mr. Ponochevny. The first is the quality of the instrument, or more accurately, the lack of quality thereof. This instrument has a tinny, almost grating sound, which for me is extremely disappointing and annoying nearly to the point of distraction. This is particularly noticeable in the upper registers, but is a factor overall as well. The second factor, however, is truly appalling. This instrument is so out of tune it’s almost painful. It sounds like they didn’t bother tuning it. This factor is even more disappointing and appalling in light of the magnificence of this performance. What a shame. As far as performance and interpretation, I am in total agreement with most, if not all the comments of others below. The fact this is a live performance makes it all the more remarkable. The fast tempi he takes are literally hair-raising. Absolutely stunning - made all the more remarkable that he is able to maintain clarity of the complex voicing and texture at this tempo. A breathtaking and marvelous performance. Bravo! Please record this in a studio on a tuned piano at some point in the future.

[@bathtubbarracuda2581]

medtner>rachmaninov

[@SpaghettiToaster]

Medtner disagrees

[@stephenwatkins8951]

@@SpaghettiToaster But Rachmaninoff agrees :) Wish I could have the two of them over for dinner, plus Scriabin for the quirks and Prokofiev for the wit. Would be a lively discussion.

[@nihilistlemon1995]

Medtner concertos are not as good as Rachmaninov

[@stephanjwilliams]

@@nihilistlemon1995 I believe Medtner's 3rd Concerto on par with Rachmaninov's 3rd. Both are as great as concertos get.

[@DynastieArtistique]

Just don’t. Don’t.

[@chrisczajasager]

he piece sounds like someone improvising in 'romantic style;... rather cliche, long-winded, and indulgent even amusing... t' was 'all said' by Medtner's predecessors Schumann,Chopin, Liszt,,Tschaikowsky

[@marcomedina4434]

At face value it may appear that way, but there's a world of developmental genius that happens throughout and contrapuntal textures that were never even touched on by the likes those mentioned. This piece is truly a forgotten masterpiece.

[@kareliask]

I agree with marco, part of the genius of this piece is Medtner avoiding the laboured qualities of overly-formal writing which can dog second-rate composers. It is coherent over a large canvas, yet sounds free and loose - very open to individual nuances of the performer

[@zackwyvern2582]

It is surprisingly, upon deep analysis, very full. Both movements are adequate to complete the story that Medtner wished to tell here. Medtner was always a master of form; here, even while breaking western structures, he manages to fulfill his ambitions completely. Medtner's pianism also suits the free, rubato-stricken nature of the piece, of an arbitrary and vicious night wind.

[@ivanskameikin2032]

Замечательное исполнение, немного редкость

[@DynastieArtistique]

Tell me you don’t understand the music without telling me you dont understand the music