Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806-1856) was a lyrical guitar
composer who worked in the 19th century. This guitarist
was born in Pressburg (present Bratislava, Slovakia)
and married a pianist Josephine (née Plantin). They
resided in Vienna, Austria where Mertz had a loyal
following. He performance prowess was of the highest
order and was welcomed in Berlin (Kingdom of Prussia)
and Dresden (Kingdom of Saxony) to concertize. There
were also further tours to Poland and Russia.
The term 'Nocturne'...(+)
Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806-1856) was a lyrical guitar
composer who worked in the 19th century. This guitarist
was born in Pressburg (present Bratislava, Slovakia)
and married a pianist Josephine (née Plantin). They
resided in Vienna, Austria where Mertz had a loyal
following. He performance prowess was of the highest
order and was welcomed in Berlin (Kingdom of Prussia)
and Dresden (Kingdom of Saxony) to concertize. There
were also further tours to Poland and Russia.
The term 'Nocturne' first appeared in the 18th century,
it was derived from a French word meaning "nocturnal".
It was used for musical works of multiple movements,
and the music was generally intended to be played for
evening parties.
The more familiar form of a Nocturne is as a
single-movement character piece for solo piano. These
pieces which became popular in the 1800s were first
composed by the Irish composer John Field, who is
regarded as the father of the Romantic Nocturne.
Stylistically the music featured a cantabile melody
over an arpeggiated accompaniment in the left-hand
similar to that found in guitar music.
Lewis, Alastair (1974 - )
SHEET MUSIC