Bardenklänge, a monumental collection of character pieces written for classical guitar by Romantic composer J.K. Mertz, encompasses 30 pieces across 15 volumes, echoing the style of piano composers like Schumann, Mertz’s contemporaries. Op. 13 stands as Mertz’s most important contribution to the classical guitar repertoire.

Published between 1847 and 1852, Books 1-11 feature Mertz’s original compositions, while Books 12-13 showcase his arrangements of seven Polonaises by Michał Kleofas Ogiński. The two movements in books 14-15, while written by Mertz, were added decades posthumously and likely deviate from the composer’s original vision for the suite.

While numerous recordings capture Books 1-11, Michael Lindsey’s album uniquely also includes Books 12 and 13, setting it apart as the sole rendition of the complete Bardenklänge suite. Unlike others that focus solely on Mertz’s original works, Lindsey’s recording offers a comprehensive and unparalleled interpretation of this significant repertoire.