Merkel - Bagatellen Op.81 No.4 Schmetterling ("The Butterfly") (On-Screen Commentaries)

Work: Bagatellen Op.81 No.4 Schmetterling ("The Butterfly") by Gustav Adolf Merkel
Performed by: PianoExplained
Instrument: Yamaha P125 Digital Piano

Gustav Adolf Merkel (1827 - 1885) was a German composer in the Romantic era who was most well known as an organist. He was most notably a student of Robert Schumann in his adolescence.

In terms of musical style, being heavily influenced by Mendelssohn, Merkel's music is more conservative, with a Classical flare and a light touch of the warmness typically found in music in the Romantic era. He held J.S. Bach's mastery of counterpoint in high regard and desired to continue Bach's tradition. This is particularly prominent in his 9 organ sonatas, which are still occasionally performed in organ recitals.

Bagatellen Op.81 is a collection of 4 Bagatelles ("bagatelle" meaning "a short, light piece of music") that are warm and elegant. No.4 Schmetterling ("The Butterfly") is the most well-performed piece in the collection. Using some prominent counterpoint techniques from the Baroque era, the music has barely any dissonance and thus can be very relaxing to listen to. The long melodic lines consist of mostly steps and have very few leaps, with broken chords being employed throughout the piece and providing firm structural support.

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