Martin Schley : Canonic Studies : Bergmann

Martin Schley

Bergmann Edition: 20 pages

Here is a 28 years old German composer/ performer who has written a number of works for guitar , but this is the first I have seen. This particular volume is a collection of twelve pieces that are all in the form of a canon or an ostinato, nearly all of which are in two voices , not that that makes them easy to play , because, being studies they are definitely not that easy, especially as none of them are fingered or have string/position indications at all and as they often suddenly leap several frets up , or down without any warning, you do find yourself completely wrong fingered.

The other thing to say about them is that style of music is very modern, and full of ‘ wrong’ notes throughout, and so if any of you are thinking that they might be stylistically like some Baroque canons, or even have a melody and friendly style of harmonisation that will make them fun and friendly works, all I can say is that they really didn’t appeal to me in the slightest. Yes, they are technically demanding, but the composer’s use of harmonies is one that I didn’t take to at all. Technically, quite useful, but musically, ....not for me but you might think quite differently .

Chris Dumigan