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 stayed until 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.
