"For the rest of my life, I want to be a kid who can't walk past a piano without playing it, without talking to it." - Colton Martin
PIANIST
Featured video
"DAWN"
One of the first videos uploaded to Martin's Youtube channel, "Dawn" is an early look at piano improvisation in the more recent contemporary style. Early influences of works by Ludovico Einaudi and the arrangements of Jim Brickman and Lorrie Line can be heard in this piece's DNA.
Relax and enjoy by clicking above!
Organ spotlight...
FRANCK CHORALE IN A MINOR
Recorded at St. Benedict's Abbey of Atchison, KS on recital, the Franck chorale is one in a set of three chorales Franck composed towards the end of his life.
Past performance spotlight...
GRIEG PIANO CONCERTO, OP. 16
In April of 2013, the capstone piece of Martin's Junior Recital at Benedictine College was the first movement of the famed Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor. Listen to a two-piano recording, with Dr. Ruth Krusemark playing Piano-II!
INFLUENCES
A few questions about Colton's piano background...
Which composers have inspired you the most in piano?
Chopin, Rachmaninov, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Ravel, Schumann, Messiaen
Which performers?
Above all, the playing and performing of my mentors and friends. My favorite living pianist has to be Valentina Lisitsa, whose technical facility and command of the instrument continue to amaze me. Her depth of musicality and honesty as an artist really comes alive in her music.
What is your favorite work for piano?
Piano Concerto No. 2, Movement II (Rachmaninov)