Joseph Merk, a Viennese cellist, initially began his musical career as a successful violin player but switched to the cello after a dog bite to his left arm prevented him from holding the violin.
Composer Biography
Joseph Merk held prestigious positions in Vienna, including principal cellist of the Viennese opera from 1816 (or 1818) and Professor at the Viennese Conservatory from 1821 to 1848.
Performer Biography
Martin Rummel, the cellist on this recording, has an extensive discography with over 40 albums and is known for his performances of complete Bach Cello Suites in one evening.
Performer Biography
Martin Rummel was the last pupil of William Pleeth, a renowned cello pedagogue, and is himself a respected teacher and editor of cello etudes for Bärenreiter-Verlag.
Critical Reception
Joseph Merk's importance and his works, including the 20 Etudes, fell into relative obscurity outside Vienna after the emergence of later star cellists like David Popper.
Composition History
Joseph Merk's 20 Etudes Op. 11 are dedicated to his friend Franz Schubert (1797-1828), the famous Viennese composer, despite the misleading French spelling 'François Schubert'.
Composition History
Frédéric Chopin dedicated his Op. 3, Introduction et Polonaise brillante, to Joseph Merk during his visit to Vienna in 1829.
