Ratimir Martinovich graduated from the Art Academy of Novi Sad, class of Kemal Gekich, in the late 1990's, and is now professor of piano at the same Academy - one the greatest talents to study under Gekich. As Gekich's assistant, Alan Fraser also worked extensively with Ratimir, and remembers preparing this recording of the Goldbergs: "Ratko invited me to listen to some of the variations, and wanted to know if he was on the right track. He was trying something new, listening with such intensity to the quality of every single interval of every single melodic strand that the quality of the blending of the tones became almost visceral. It was amazingly clear, compelling, rich and expressive playing, and I knew then that with luck we would get a good recording out of the sessions. Some people say, 'This is too much, too Romantic,' but I venture to disagree - his expression is intense, but remains to my mind within the expressive aesthetic of Bach; in fact, fulfils it in a totally new way."

Martinovich, with his special affinity for Bach, has created a performance of the Goldbergs filled with fantasy and emotional power, that remains faithful to the Baroque aesthetic of contrapuntal clarity and rhythmic sobriety. The second track ends with Rachmninoff's Moment Musical #2 in B flat minor, showing a completely different aspect of Martinovich's artistry.
 

Bach: Goldberg Variations - Aria, Variations 1 - 20
 

Bach: Goldberg Variations - Aria, Variations 21 - 30, Aria (plus Rachmaninoff Moment Musical #2)
 

recording engineer, coach, producer and digital editor: ALAN FRASER

A year before the Goldbergs recording, Alan Fraser and Ratimir Martinovich were in Subotica to record his debut CD. From this CD, sample Mozart's charming variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, that provide a delightful contrast to Chopin's passionate, turbulent  Scherzo in B flat minor and the Rachmaninoff Moment Musical in the same key.

Variations in C major on "Ah, je vous dirai Maman"                Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Scherzo #2 in B flat minor, Op. 31                                                 Frederic Chopin
Moment Musical #2 in B flat minor                                             Sergei Rachmninoff

recording engineer, coach, producer and digital editor: ALAN FRASER

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