SERGEI RACHMANINOFF AND NIKOLAI MEDTNER: LIFE AND CREATIVE PARALLELS

UDC 78.071.1
DOI: 10.36871/hon.202302165

Authors

Elena B. Dolinskaya,
Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, 125009, Russian Federation, Moscow

Abstract

Today the whole world celebrates a jubilee date — the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff. The Moscow Conservatory conducts monographic programs in all of its four halls, where all genres of the composer's legacy are presented: three operas are staged, all symphonic works are played, all romances are sung. This article is devoted to the creative interrelations and great friendship between S. V. Rachmaninoff and N. K. Medtner from the conservatory years. It focuses on the later work of the two composers, whose main genres are marked by stylistic parallels. This is about Russianness in their work, about the abiding longing for their beloved homeland, which nourished their inspiration until the last years of their lives. The stylistic comparisons are based on Rachmaninoff's "Symphonic Dances" and Medtner's Piano Quintet, Rachmaninoff's Fourth Piano Concerto and Medtner's Third Piano Ballade Concerto.

Keywords

S. V. Rachmaninoff, N. K. Medtner, jubilee, piano concertos, piano quintet, Dies irae, religious motifs, pieces for two pianos