MERKEL ORGAN MUSIC

Guandalino, Carlo - Sonate Nr. 2 G-moll Op. 42
1. Maestoso - Piu Moto - Maestoso
2. Adagio
3. Introduction: Allegro Assai - Fuge
Guandalino, Carlo - Schmuecke Dich, O Liebe Seele
Guandalino, Carlo - Sonate Nr. 6 E-moll Op. 137
1. Aus Tiefer Not Schrei Ich Zu Dir: Grave - Moder
2. Adagio Molto - Piu Moto - Tempo 1
3. Introduction: Allegro Risoluto - Andante - A Te
4. Poco Moderato
Guandalino, Carlo - Nun Sich Der Tag (Choralvorspi

Here’s a name to conjure with. In fact there have been a few recordings of the nine organ sonatas by Gustav Merkel (1827-1885), though most of them are presently deleted; this new recording offers an excellent opportunity to become familiar with one of the organ virtuosos of his time and place, which is to say 19th-century Germany; more specifically Dresden, where he became organist of the Kreuzkirche and professor of organ at the city’s conservatoire for the last quarter-century of his life.

Gustav Adolf Merkel (1827-1885) was a German Romantic composer,
mainly for his own instrument, the organ. He completed his studies in
Dresden, where he staid till his death as organist and teacher. He also had
lessons with Robert Schumann in Leipzig.
Merkel’s style is strongly influenced by Baroque counterpoint, notably by
Johann Sebastian Bach, which he incorporated in the romantic idiom of
his time, with its warm harmonies and long melodic lines.
On this new recording we hear two of his Organ Sonatas, large-scale 4-
movement works, of which the number 6, “Choral-Sonata” is the most
famous.
Italian organist Carlo Guandalino plays the magnificent organ of the
Cathedral of Thiene (Vicenza, Italy), restored by the famous organ builder
Zanin, the specifications of which are included in the booklet.
Guandalino’s affinity with the German Romantic repertoire was already
apparent in his recording of organ music by Rheinberger (BC95466).