Credits:

Randall, Tony

Description:

Swedish composer Merkel Merkes studied in Paris in the 1910s and was strongly influenced by the French music of the time and the art of Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani, whom he met while studying in Paris. However, he remained relatively conservative in his style, leaving behind many works in a rigorous style more akin to that of César Franck. Merkes frequently visited the Louvre, where he was particularly fascinated by the paintings of Rubens. La Kermesse (The Kermesse)" on this album is inspired by Rubens' work, which is said to depict a rural festival to celebrate a marriage, and is filled with a cheerful atmosphere. Elegy" is a lyrical work inscribed "To the memory of my mother. It expresses the grief of Merkes, who has just lost his mother, Christine, and was critically acclaimed at its premiere. The Symphony in D minor, one of his masterpieces, is a 36-minute work in three rapid and slow movements, orchestrated by three winds (piccolo, English horn, bass clarinet, and harp), which create a colorful sound in the style of French modern music. Merkes entered this work in a competition for new works for the opening of a new concert hall in Stockholm. The jury consisted of Carl Nielsen, Robert Kayanus, and Johan Halvorsen.The result was that Atterberg's "Song" took first place and this piece second. However, it was performed on the day after the opening night and reportedly received favorable reviews from music professionals. the Yevre Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1912 and has a history of more than 100 years, and Jaime Martin, who will serve as chief conductor from 2022, bring out the charm of the work. Naxos Japan