J.K. Mertz
Bridge, 2025
8/10
The first commercial release of recordings from the Czech guitarist Petra Poláčková, these selections pay tribute to the legendary J.K. Mertz with strong attention to detail.
“Elegie” opens with a sublime beauty via the meticulous progressions thanks to the nine-string romantic guitar, and “Bardenklänge” follows with 8 chapters that radiate emotion, warmth and melody.
On the back half, “Fantaisie Hongroise” emits more forceful playing from Poláčková’s very capable hands, as well as soft ebbs of grace, and “Schubert’sche Lieder” exits with a colorful and rich finish of timeless and touching song craft.
Poláčková certainly does justice to Mertz’s work, where a lovely execution yields a heartfelt and expressive masterpiece.
Travels well with: Patrick Stoyanovich- Rue Paradis; David Starobin- Virtuosi