Medtner - Sonata Reminiscenza, Op. 38 No. 1 (Gilels)

I decided to upload another video of this piece, as I saw how excellent and raffined was Gilels performance of this great Sonata. I think it might be the best interpretation of this work. First of all, the incredible, golden Emil Gilels touch makes the whole sonata shine of beauty, delicateness, and elegance. The playing is very poetic, tender and colorful. While other interpretations can be very tender (e.g Kissin), they then lack intensity. Or while they can be also played with an absolute magical and poetic touch (e.g Tozer), then they lack of some grandiosity, and the tempo, while interesting, isn’t particularly fitting. But here, Gilels combined all elements which made the other performances good, and even added details, passion, grandiosity and grace. Definitely a go-to for this awesome Sonata in my opinion. Pianist : Emil Gilels