NUIT ET JOUR – MARIA MARTINOVA

_{Sarah Dunlop, October 2023}

Bulgarian pianist Maria Martinova delivers a captivating performance in her album “Nuit et Jour,” showcasing her virtuosic prowess and her unique approach to French piano repertoire. While her liner notes may not be as impressive as her musical abilities, her interpretations of Debussy, Ravel, and the surprising inclusion of contemporary composer Gregorio Zanon’s work make this album a compelling listen.

Martinova’s take on Debussy’s pieces is characterized by its forthrightness and the influence of Liszt on the composer’s works, a perspective not often emphasized. In “Cloches à travers les feuilles,” Martinova transforms the delicate atmosphere into an exuberant romp, adding an unexpected but bracing energy to the composition. Her rendition of “Cathédrale engloutie” is nothing short of seismic, making it an eventful highlight of the album.

Her most remarkable achievement lies in Ravel’s “Gaspard de la nuit,” where she showcases her fearless virtuosity. She delves deep into the unhinged menace that lurks within Ravel’s inspiration, crafting an exciting and intense experience that challenges conventional interpretations of the piece. The opening movement, “Ondine,” is delivered with unrelenting vigor, setting the tone for the album’s audacious direction.

Martinova’s personal transcription of Ravel’s “La Valse” sparkles with dazzling brilliance, effectively conveying a sense of impending doom that looms over the Viennese waltz dream. Her interpretation evokes the Vienna of Freud and Klimt, adding a layer of psychological complexity to the music that is both intriguing and haunting.

While Martinova’s full frontal assault on the repertoire can sometimes come across as brusque or indifferent, her performance of Zanon’s “Nuit et Jour” serves as a pleasant surprise. This contemporary piece’s harmonies are more modernist in nature, but it seamlessly fits within the album’s overarching theme. Its resemblance to the works of young Scriabin complements Martinova’s own febrile musical sensibilities, creating a harmonious marriage of styles.

Although Martinova’s renditions of Debussy might lack the delicacy found in other interpretations, and she doesn’t necessarily reach the level of the finest performers in the genre, her bold and larger-than-life approach is most evident in her rendition of Ravel. This energetic reinterpretation shakes off any preconceived notions of familiarity and offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden path. One can only imagine the wonders she could work with other challenging pieces, such as Prokofiev’s sonatas.

“Nuit et Jour” by Maria Martinova is a noteworthy addition to the world of piano music albums. Her fearless virtuosity, unorthodox interpretations, and surprising inclusion of modernist pieces make for an exhilarating listening experience. While her approach might not resonate with everyone, her artistic personality shines through, leaving a lasting impression that piques curiosity about her future musical endeavors.