Nikolai Karloviç Medtner (1880-1951) is one of the most important composers who continued the romantic traditions into the twentieth century, and one of the most outstanding pianists of his generation, along with his contemporaries Skriabin and Rachmaninov. From the great Russian tradition, Medtner has had a significant influence on English piano music, both because of his contribution to education and because all gramophone recordings were made in London between 1930 and 1947. His recital and concerto performances received great attention and critical acclaim, and his music left a deep impression on many. Medtner is a composer who has written many works throughout his life, and has brought many works to piano literature. However, his music is rarely found in public concert programs, and his work is overshadowed by other contemporary composers because of his traditionalist worldview and rejection of the musical avant-garde of his time. Nevertheless, Madtner has not been completely forgotten, and even conservative artists and researchers have come to defend Medtner more and more in the last two decades. In this study, the composer’s life, his piano works, his musical language and style will be examined and the question "why is his music not better known?" will be answered. Since his works are not in the conservatory curricula and are not performed, it is thought that this study will contribute to music education in Turkey.
Keywords: Nikolai Madtner, piano works, romantic elements, music education, piano repertoire