Mertl, Gregory / Aferglow Of A Kiss; Empress; Piano Concerto
Album: Aferglow Of A Kiss; Empress; Piano Concerto   Collection:Classical
Artist:Mertl, Gregory   Added:Jul 2017
Label:Bridge Records  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2017-07-20 Pull Date: 2017-09-21 Charts: Classical/Experimental
Week Ending: Sep 17 Sep 10
Airplays: 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. Sep 12, 2017: Clean Copper Radio & Hot Topics
Afterglow Of A Kiss (7:02)
2. Sep 05, 2017: Clean Copper Radio & Hot Topics
Afterglow Of A Kiss (7:02)

Album Review
Gary Lemco
Reviewed 2017-07-16
Gregory Mertl (b. 1969, Ph.D in composition, Eastman School of Music), claims allegiance to the European musical tradition: he favors rhythmic fluidity, shifting textures, and instrumental color. He tends to “through-composed” pieces, those that evolve from their introductory, germ motifs. Afterglow of a Kiss (2000) is a flute concertino in scherzando temperament, with a restless demeanor that becomes exuberant, then calm. Empress (1998) is a serenade-sinfonietta that opens quietly and ends vigorously. In between, colors evolve through the interaction of the 14-piece ensemble’s diverse elements. The Piano Concerto (2008-2010) was written for the soloist, Solungga Liu. Advocating a new “aesthetic,” Mertl has the solo part evolve slowly and un-dramatically, gaining power and independence as the 1st mvmt develops. The 2nd mvmt - Coupling – creates a sense of parity between solo and orchestra. Although based on the Schumann Concerto’s Intermezzo, this music becomes tumultuous and passionate in various modes of “coupling.” Mvmt 3 celebrates interdependence. Utilizing motifs from the prior mvmts, the music becomes buoyant, unpredictable, and spirited, especially given the composer’s dependency on wind-band instruments. Mertl admits that the structure of the last mvmt may be elusive, but its flow is undeniable.

Track Listing
1. Afterglow Of A Kiss (7:02)   3. Piano Concerto. I (10:42)
2. Empress (12:22)   4. Piano Concerto. Ii. ?Coupling? (17:16)
  5. Piano Concerto. Iii. (14:52)