Medtner - 3 Novellen, Op. 17 (1908)

Hamish Milne, piano

0:00 No. 1 in G major "Daphnis and Chloe"
3:36 No. 2 in C minor
8:06 No. 3 in E major

The 3 Novellen, Op 17 are the only works Medtner completed in 1908. The first two pieces of the set are not unlike his skazki in scope, while the more substantial third piece suggests a programmatic or religious inspiration.

The first piece bears the subtitle "Daphnis and Chloe", reflected in its pastoral innocence. A lovely diatonic melody gradually grows in intensity until an exuberant outburst of 32nd-notes is reached (1:34). This is cut short within moments with the return of the initial melody, now a passionate duet. The lively 32nd-notes return at length, and the piece ends with three slow rolled chords.

The second piece (form ABAB coda) has a persistent air of menace about it. The first theme, played by the left hand, is accompanied by a polonaise-like rhythm. The lyrical yet chromatic second theme (4:40), marked by constant descending motion in the left hand, does little to ease the tension. Rapid alternating chords signal the return of the first theme (5:49). The two themes are combined (7:09), as is typical of Medtner, in the second B section (6:50). A short coda recalling the opening ends the piece.

The third Novelle, with its solemn chordal writing and rapturous climaxes, calls to mind the Dithyramb Op. 10 No. 2. Medtner wastes no time after introducing the first theme in subjecting it to fugato treatment (8:37). A second theme is briefly introduced in imitation (9:09), leading into a caressing third theme (9:29) which quickly grows agitared. An extended climax built on the second (10:50) and first (11:24) themes leads to a return of the first theme fugato (11:47), with the theme inverted. The first and third themes are recapitulated, followed by an ecstatic coda based on the first theme (13:37).