DGA Editions

New books on Luigi Sagrini from DGA Editions

Two new volumes from DGA Editions are now available for pre-order. The first volume is In Search of Sagrini, written by Bernard Lewis and Robert Coldwell. The second volume is The Music of Luigi Sagrini which presents 24 editions published by Sagrini from 1825 to 1850. Each volume will be available in print and digital format. The digital editions are planned to be released by the end of December 2021, and the print editions will be printed and start shipping in March 2022.

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By Robert Coldwell, ago

J. K. Mertz – Johann or Joseph? – research by Masami Kimura

On the question of the actual name of Mertz, around the turn of the 20th century guitar writers made assumptions about the initials “J. K.” While in the 1980’s Astrid Stempnik discovered the birth name of Mertz to be “Caspar Joseph,” the earlier writers used either “Joseph Kaspar” or “Johann Kaspar.” Somehow “Johann” became the definitive reading of his initial “J.” and has been repeated over the past 100 years. Repetition does not always make information correct. Mertz never used his full first or second name in promoting himself either in concerts or publications. In fact, even after he died his widow posted advertisements to sell his instruments by using his performing name “J. K. Mertz.”

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By Robert Coldwell, ago