🇷🇺Nikolai Karlovich Medtner ： Three Fairy Tales No.1 in f-moll Op.9-1

Within its brief, concentrated span, this character piece juxtaposes sharp forward momentum with singing lyricism. The powerful motion heard from the opening drives the music ahead, while passages of eased tension and sections that carefully bring the melody to the fore create contrast. Listening for the transitions between these sections reveals the interest of a recurring motif as it changes character. In performance, rather than relying solely on forceful attack, it is important to clarify the roles of the inner voices and bass, preserve the urgency of the rhythm, and give the melody ample breathing space. Maintaining momentum through the close, while using subtle dynamics and pedal carefully to avoid blurring, brings out the work’s intensely expressive narrative quality.