Questioni tecniche e soluzioni strumentali: la chitarra di Johann Kaspar Mertz (1806–1856) al servizio dei 6 Schubert’sche Lieder

Abstract

While in Vienna in the early 19th century the music scene was expanding and opera arias resonated in the heart of the city, the Lieder of Viennese composer Franz Schubert captivated the public, fueling an ever-growing interest in transcriptions. In an era when the guitar was often used as an accompanying instrument, the transcriptions of the 6 Schubert'sche Lieder by guitarist Johann Kaspar Mertz redefined the role of the instrument by proposing a version for solo guitar. The aim of this study is to highlight how, despite the existence of a vast repertoire for solo guitar in the period in question, these transcriptions by Mertz represent a significant case and offer the opportunity to examine ingenious technical and instrumental solutions, a unique case that allows for the identification of a specific guitar language. This language gives the guitar a voice, allowing it to make the most of its technical resources and characteristics. Through a comparative analysis between the original version and two transcriptions from the time, one by Liszt and one for voice and guitar accompaniment by Mertz himself, the specific characteristics, idiomatic choices, and innovative solutions of this approach will be highlighted.

https://www.lim.it/it/opere-collettive/6940-didattica-musicale-e-ricerca-2022-9788855434270.html