N. K. Metner – Reflecting Artist: Composer, Pianist, Teacher

• Main Author: Olga S. Danilova
• Format: Article
• Language: Russian
• Published: Moscow Pedagogical State University, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education 2020-03-01
• Series: Музыкальное искусство и образование
• Subjects: n. k. metner; literary heritage; creative reflection; author’s interpretation; connection between composer’s thinking and performance style; pedagogical activity
• Online Access: http://musart-edu.ru/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2020-1-73.pdf

The article is devoted to understanding the role of reflection in the multifaceted activities by Nikolai Karlovich Metner, a remarkable composer, an outstanding pianist of the 20th century, an originally thinking philosopher. We analyze the relationship of creative reflection, reflected in his literary heritage, with the author’s performing interpretations. The organic connection between the Master of composer’s thinking and performance style in the creative process is revealed. The following aspects are considered: reflection in Metner’s performance of the main composer goals and features of the composition process; the relationship of the performing style and aesthetic positions of the musician in matters of piano art. According to the author of the article, reflection as the most important feature of N. K. Metner’s creative consciousness is included in the process of composing and performing music the “dialogue with oneself” is part of the artistic image of the works that he creates, and the essence of his interpretative intentions. A holistic understanding of the art of interpretation and reflection by Metner-composer and pianist can give a key to understanding the characteristic features of his unique manner of performance, and allow us to feel the continuation of the creative process of composing music in it. It is concluded that the study of the reflexive processes by N. K. Metner in his philosophical and methodological works helps modern teachers to realize the most important professional tasks: to teach young musicians to think critically, to pose essential questions, to find their own strategies for mastering the artistic content of the studied works, and analyze their own performing experience in detail.