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Liner Notes: Johann Kaspar Mertz Opern -Revue Op. 8 No. 2
In this edition of Liner Notes, we will take a look at a “sort of” well-known composer from the classical time period, Johann Kaspar Mertz. Most only know of Mertz from his easier pieces that are used at the beginning of one’s guitar studies. As a matter of fact, his works were not very well known until fairly recently. This post will focus on the second piece from his Opern-Revue Opus 8.
The Trendy Johann Mertz
Mertz lived in a time dominated by the salons of the aristocracy. Therefore, he followed the trends of the time composing pieces for himself as a performer at these salons. As was also popular at the time, he borrowed themes from famous operas. Usually, these were rhapsodic in form and meant to show one’s skill as a player and composer.
Opern-Revue, Op. 8 No. 2
This one opus contains over 30 pieces and ranges from Mozart to Wagner in themes. One of the keys to writing a piece based on a theme is to be able to picture the opera while at the same time creating one’s view of the original. It should be almost that the opera performance should still be fresh in one’s mind after listening to the derivative piece. I believe this is the case for this composition based on Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti. The bulk of the material is based on the last tenor aria. This, then, is given the variation in an extended rondo that hints at a hunting feel/style.
Fabio Zanon Plays Mertz Op. 8 No. 2
After listening to this performance, it is obvious that Mertz belongs in the category with other great nineteenth-century composers. It also shows what virtuosic skill he displayed as a performer. There is much to explore in the works of Mertz and will take many to bring his works to life.
I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.
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