Name: 3 a.m. Nightingale from Pears on a Sill (for solo piano) by Gregory Mertl
Duration: 4 min 59 s
Description: “3 a.m. Nightingale” begins the four movements of Pears on a Sill with a melancholic lyricism. It is one of the few tracks that doesn’t have a specific reference-across-time, although I can’t help think of some of the murmurings near the end as being touched by Debussy.

From The Bridges of Madison County

Sang at an Open Mic at The Crazy Coq's in London without any rehearsal.

Almost Real

This is an excerpt (near the very end)of a piece for two narrators and orchestra about New York City as seen by its writers. Texts by Gorki, Le Corbusier, Whitman, Fitzgerald, Lethem, Miller, Auster, etc.. This is the 2011 premiere by Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio-France with Alexandre Laiter and Donald Rubinstein, narrators; Gwennolé Rufet, conductor.

Writing The City (excerpt)

“3 a.m. Nightingale” begins the four movements of Pears on a Sill with a melancholic lyricism. It is one of the few tracks that doesn’t have a specific reference-across-time, although I can’t help think of some of the murmurings near the end as being touched by Debussy. 

3 a.m. Nightingale from Pears on a Sill (for solo piano)

My music is deeply embedded within the European tradition and a respect for the works of the past, and reflects that particular Western musical notion of individual expression and voice.  At its most basic, my music can be identified as stemming from French ideals.  I favor rhythmic fluidity, relish shifting textures and moods, and prize instrumental color.  Although clearly linear, there is an emphasis on rich, resonant harmonies and a careful attention to harmonic rhythm and transposition.  I am interested in structures that are clear, yet ephemeral, and accent the unpredictable without neglecting continuity.  Titles of my works are reflective of this approach and suggest a narrative or evoke a state of being.  As a teacher, I have found that my distinct aesthetic stance benefits students greatly, since it allows for an exchange of ideas against the backdrop of a particular set of values.  In addition, accomplished musicians who have performed my work, have done so repeatedly, attesting to its staying power.

3 a.m. Nightingale from Pears on a Sill (for solo piano)

Gregory Mertl

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