Blue Autumn was commissioned by the Cellist Beth Root Sandvoss in 2006.

The energetic and boisterous opening quickly transforms into a more lyrical and pensive mood, but the flowing patterns soon gain momentum and lead to a short jazzy section before calming down again gradually into a slow, melancholic kind of waltz. The last section grows right out of the vanishing waltz, with the Cello getting into a groove of continuous sixteenth-note patterns. Soon, the piano joins in with doubling these patterns in a high register and the ostinato textures in both instruments build up to a joyful climax. Finally, a glimpse of the beginning appears again before both instruments conclude the piece with a soft, quasi “evaporating” sixteenth run in opposite directions, ending up in unison.

Blue Autumn- live performance by Mercer/Park Duo, June 18 2022

This piece is dedicated to my dear friend and mentor, George Zukerman who just passed away on Feb.1.  Elizabeth and I will miss him always - we are so grateful for all he has done for us.

For George

Improvisation#1

This piece is based on an continuous 16th pattern in the left hand and features an irregular time signature (5/8) throughout.  The motivic and thematic snippets in the right hand are more fragmented and are  shifting their metric positions over the continuum in the bass.

Jazz Study#1

Solitude is based on a very gradually descending chordal progression and features a constant rhythmic motif throughout. Its syncopated character is softened by more flowing quarter notes, providing a kind of 
pulse and second rhythmic layer. The first section repeats with a variation that adds short motives in the higher register before a short Coda/Epilogue lets those elements fade away.

Solitude

Excursions explore various aspects of combining, or juxtaposing, solo piano and electronic sounds. Part 1 features piano, bass and some cymbals, alongside a pulsating, synthesized ostinato- rhythm, creating a spacious, ambient atmosphere.

Excursions-Part 1

Relaxation Rag

Testing new software and creating new sounds

Studio Recording 201803

Studio Recording 201805

Studio Recording 201806

Studio Recording 201807

For the last 20 years, Marcel has enjoyed an active musical career as a performer, composer,
improviser and teacher. His broad range of musical interest and experience in both, classical and
popular music has led to an output in a variety of styles and genres.


Improvisation#1

Marcel Bergmann