Piano concerto No 1; Piano quintet (Alexeev) (1994)

"On the evidence of his three piano concertos, Medtner is a substantial and original composer whose absence from the standard concerto repertoire is unjustified. Medtner has been likened to Rachmaninov. The comparison is apt, for they were firm friends and there was mutual admiration. The Piano Concerto No. 1 dates from just after the First World War. Comparison with other music of that era is bound to reinforce the criticism that Medtner was a throwback to the late 19th century. But this should not prevent us from observing that this concerto is endlessly inventive and splendidly original. Not least among its eccentricities is the absence of conventional movements. It makes for a strong sense of unity and inner purpose. The melodies are not quite as catchy as Rachmaninovs but they have ample character and poise. The orchestral writing is turbulent and energetic: listening to it is like watching waves crashing onto a beach in endless permutations and with effortless power." (C. Lambton, BBC Music Magazine)