Johann Kaspar Mertz, a virtuoso guitarist and flutist, was posthumously awarded First Prize for his composition Concertino at the Brussels Guitar Competition of 1856.
Recording & Production
The transcription of J.S. Bach's Toccata, BWV 914, by Stefano Grondona, matured through several years of concert performances and a recording before being presented here.
Performer Biography
In addition to his classical guitar career, Johan Smith founded the extreme metal band Stortregn, with whom he has recorded five albums and toured worldwide since 2005.
Performer Biography
Johan Smith, the guitarist on this album, was named 'Classical Guitar Revelation 2017' by Guitare Classique magazine.
Composer Biography
Manuel Ponce, described as the founding father of 20th-century Mexican music, devoted himself to writing many guitar pieces after meeting Andrés Segovia in 1923.
Performer Biography
Johan Smith, the guitarist, has a particular interest in contemporary music and has collaborated with composers like Josquin Schwizgebel and Arnaud Fillion.
Compositional Technique
The Toccata, BWV 914, by J.S. Bach, was originally intended for a 'keyboard instrument' (strumento a tastiera) and is now considered a harpsichord work.
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