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Mersson Boris

(06. 10. 1921 - 13. 11. 2013)

Genre: Classical Music
Professional activity: Composers, Interpreters, Authors
Biography
* 06. 10. 1921, † 13. 11. 2013.

Boris Mersson, Swiss with Russian ancestry, is a citizen of Montreux. He was born in Berlin and received his first musical instruction in piano and violin at the age of five, he first appeared in public at the age of ten. He completed further piano studies under Isidore Karr in Geneva and then in the professional and master class of Henri Stierlin-Vallon at the Lausanne Conservatory. He completed his education to become a conductor under Hermann Scherchen in Zurich and Herbert von Karajan in Lucerne. As a polyvalent musician Boris Mersson operated as soloist, conductor, educationalist and composer. He received numerous awards, both nationally and internationally, for his accomplishments in composition. Piano recitals and chamber music concerts led Boris Mersson to many different cities in Switzerland and Europe, in the USA and Brazil. As a conductor for orchestra he has performed in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, in France at the 'Nuits pianistiques d'Aix-en-Provence' and at the Ravello Sorrento Festival. Boris Mersson's compositions (many of which where specific commissions e.g. from the 'Tonhalle-Gesellschaft' in Zurich) confirm his capacity to work in all musical styles, including the music of the Third Stream.

Work list

Introduction et Saltarella (1933-1936)

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 3' 30"
Manuscript
Cinq pièces burlesques, op. 1 (1937-1938)
A form of impressions

Instrumentation: for piano

1. Sonia et le miroir
2. Colin-Maillard
3. Arc-en-ciel
4. Polichinelle et burlesque
5. Casse-noisette
'Cinq pièces burlesques' was created in 1938 while the composer was a student in the solists' class at the conservatory in Lausanne. He was influenced by the French school, most particularly by the daring incursions made by the 'Group des six'. 'Cinq pièces burlesques' is Boris Mersson's answer to Arthur Honegger's 'Sept pièces brèves'.

Duration: 5' 30"
Manuscript
Five Short Pieces for Small Orchestra, op.1 (1937-1938/1950)
Version for orchestra

Instrumentation: for small orchestra (1.1.2.1/1.1.1.1/2perc/hp/str)

Duration: 10' 00"
Nepomuk Musik Verlag
c/o Breitkopf & Härtel Musikverlag
Walkmühlstrasse 52
D-65195 Wiesbaden
BRD
Tel. +49 (0)611 45 0080
vertrieb@breitkopf.de
www.breitkopf.com
Sonate no. 1, op. 3 (1944/1991)

Instrumentation: for violin and piano

1. Moderato - Tranquillo
2. Adagio rubato
3. Allegro agitato

Duration: 28' 30"
Manuscript
Divertissement, op. 4 (1946)

Instrumentation: for reed trio (oboe, clarinet, bassoon) and horn

Duration: 10' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Ronde burlesque, op. 4a (1947)

Instrumentation: for samll orchestra (2(pic).1.2.1/2.2.1.0/hp.pf[=cel]/perc.str/gtr ad lib.)

Duration: 6' 00"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Dorfschwalben aus Oesterreich (Josef Strauss, Eduard Schütt) (1946)
Adaptation

Instrumentation: for small orchestra (2.2.2.2/2.2.1.0/timp.perc/str)

Orchestration, introduction and final cadence by Boris Mersson.

Duration: 8' 00"
Edition Swiss Music
Winterthur
Capricciosa, op. 5d (1947)

Instrumentation: for oboe and strings

Duration: 4' 00"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Sinfonietta, op. 6 (1948-1970)

Instrumentation: for orchestra (1.2.0.2/3.0.0.0/timp/str)

1. Allegro deciso2. Scherzo, Allegro vivace3. Adagio assai4. Finale, Allegro giusto

Duration: 16' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Fantasia, op. 7 (1949)

Instrumentation: for bassoon, strings and percussion

Duration: 6' 00"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Nocturne, op. 8 (1949-1950)

Instrumentation: for violin, strings and harp (or with piano accompaniment)

Duration: 7' 00"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Danse pour Hérode et Marianne, op. 9 (1952)

Instrumentation: for a large orchestra (3.3.2.2/2.2.2.1/timp.perc.xyl/str)

Based on Friedrich Hebbel.

Duration: 6' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Petite Suite, op. 10 (1952-1953)

Instrumentation: for flute, oboe (or violoncello) and piano (or harpsichord)

Duration: 11' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Undine (1953)
Scenic music

Instrumentation: for ensemble (1.0.0.0/0.3.0.0/gong bells/hp.cel/vn)

Texts: J. Giraudoux

Based on J. Giraudoux.

Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript
Divertimento, op. 12 (1955-1963)

Instrumentation: for six wind instruments (pic.fl.ca.cl.bn.tpt), two percussion, harpsichord or piano, and strings

Duration: 12' 00"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Etudes rythmiques, op. 13 (1956)

Instrumentation: for jazz trio (cl/db/perc) and string quartet

Duration: 23' 00"
Manuscript
Caprice, op. 14 (1956)

Instrumentation: for oboe and piano

Duration: 3' 30"
Maurice et Pierre Foetisch
5-7 rue de l'Ancien-Port
CH-1201 Genève
Suisse
Tel. +41 (0)22 738 91 10
Fax +41 (0)22 738 91 16
sidomusic@sidomusic.com
www.sidomusic.com
Eytan Rhapsody, op. 15 (1958-1959)
Concerto for violin and orchestra

Instrumentation: (pic.2.2.2.bcl.2/2.2.3.1/timp.perc/hp.cel/str) (or with piano accompaniment)

Duration: 22' 00"
Manuscript
Sonate, op. 16 (1958)

Instrumentation: for clarinet and piano

1. Allegro moderato2. Andante sostenuto3. Allegro brillante

Duration: 20' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Suite, op. 17 (1959-1960)

Instrumentation: for four saxophones

Duration: 10' 00"
Breitkopf & Härtel
Postfach 1707
D-65195 Wiesbaden
Tel. +49 611 45 00 80
Zwei Herbstlieder, op. 17b (1959)

Instrumentation: for baritone and piano

Texts: C. Schauwecker

Text: C. Schauwecker.

Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript
Sonate, op. 18 (1959-1960)

Instrumentation: for cello and piano

Duration: 22' 00"
Edition Alstein
Françoise Stein
Apollostr.9
CH-8032 Zürich
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 383 38 01
www.music-alstein.ch/
Three Monkey Dances, op. 19 (1960)

Instrumentation: for oboe (or clarinet) and piano (also trio with piano)

1. Grimaces2. Around the cage3. Golliwogg goes to town

Duration: 6' 30"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Musik für Bläserquintett, op. 20 (1960)

Duration: 10' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
3 Pièces provençales, op. 11 (1963)

Instrumentation: for two clarinets and a bassoon (or bass clarinet or basset horn)

1. Pastourelle
2. Ballade
3. Farandole
Also for a trio of double reed instruments.

Duration: 10' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Moments musicaux, op. 21 (1963)

Instrumentation: for flute (or clarinet), trombone, vibraphone, two double-basses and percussion

Duration: 16' 00"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Spiel der Komödianten, op. 21b (1958-1962)

Instrumentation: for large orchestra (pic.2.2.2.bcl.2/4.3.3.1/timp.2perc/vib[=xyl].cel.hp/str)

Duration: 5' 30"
Manuscript
Episodes ésotériques, op. 22 (1963)

Instrumentation: for celesta and string quartet (or string orchestra)

1. Allegro2. Andante con moto3. Allegro

Duration: 13' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Gitan Rhapsody, op. 22b (1964)

Instrumentation: for violin and orchestra (2.1.2.1/2.3.3.0/timp.1perc/cel[=bells].hp/str)

Duration: 10' 00"
Edition Bosworth
London
Sound of Seven, op. 24 (1964)

Instrumentation: for oboe (or ssx), four saxophones, double-bass and percussion

Duration: 15' 00"
edition modern München
Musikverlage Hans Wewerka
Elisabethstr. 38
D-80796 München
Tel. +49 (0)89 2728990
Fax +49 (0)89 27289920
office@hwmedia.de
www.editionmodern.de/
Concerto, op. 25 (1965-1966)

Instrumentation: for alto saxophone and large harmonic orchestra (pic.2.2.Ebcl.Bbcl.acl.bcl.2.cbn.4sx.4/2cnt.4.3euph.3.1/timp.2perc/str with db) or with symphonic orchestra (2(pi).2.2.2/4.2.3.1/timp.2perc)

Duration: 20' 00"
Schulz-Verlage
Freiburg-Tiengen
Terpsichore-Suite, op. 5f (1966)

Instrumentation: for large orchestra (3.2.3.2/4.3.2.1/timp.perc.cel/hp/str)

1. Rigaudon2. Elegie3. Danse rustique

Duration: 13' 30"
Manuscript
Elegie (1966)

Instrumentation: for violoncello (or horn) and piano

From the orchestra suite 'Terpsichore', op. 5f.

Duration: 5' 00"
Ediziun Trais Giats
Ardez
Fluidum, op. 26 (1966)

Instrumentation: for piccolo, English horn, viola, violoncello and percussion

Duration: 14' 00"
Manuscript
Hommage à Schoenberg, op. 27 (1966)

Instrumentation: for piccolo, flute, English horn, viola, violoncello and percussion

Duration: 5' 00"
Manuscript
Concerto, op. 29 (1968)

Instrumentation: for piano and harmonic orchestra (2.2.4.2.4/3.2.0.1.0/3.3.1.1/timp.perc/perc) or with a symphonic orchestra (2.2.3.2/4.3.3.1/timp.perc/hp.cel.pf/str)

1. Allegro con brio2. Molto tranquillo e sognando3. Vivace, ma non troppo presto - Toccata

Duration: 18' 00"
Schulz-Verlage
Freiburg-Tiengen
Der Spiegel, op. 30 (1968)

Instrumentation: for a large orchestra (version for two pianos and three percussionists)

Ballet based on a Japanese tale.

Duration: 43' 00"
Manuscript
Quatro Improvvisazioni, op. 28 (1968-1969)

Instrumentation: for piano, violin and violoncello

Duration: 15' 00"
Edition Alstein
Françoise Stein
Apollostr.9
CH-8032 Zürich
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 383 38 01
www.music-alstein.ch/
Conjugo metamorfosis, op. 31 (1969)

Instrumentation: for one wind instrument

Duration: 5' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Divertimento in sol maggiore (1970)

Instrumentation: for wind quintet

Based on two sonatas of op 49 by Beethoven.

Duration: 15' 00"
Edition Bosworth
London
Fünf Klavierstücke, op. 23 (1970-1977)

Capricciosa - Sogno - Invention SCHiBlEr - Intermezzo tenero - Imptomptu.

Duration: 14' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Variationen in Es-Dur (1971)

Instrumentation: for violin, violoncello (or horn) and piano (or arrangement for various instruments)

In the classical style over the theme "Brüder, reicht die Hand zum Bunde".

Duration: 7' 00"
Edition Alstein
Françoise Stein
Apollostr.9
CH-8032 Zürich
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 383 38 01
www.music-alstein.ch/
Thema und Variationen in D-Dur (1971/1991)

Instrumentation: for violoncello and piano

In the classical style over the theme "Brüder, reicht die Hand zum Bunde".

Duration: 5' 00"
Edition Alstein
Françoise Stein
Apollostrasse 9
CH-8032 Zürich
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 383 38 01
www.music-alstein.ch/
Bravour-Variationen (1971/1994)

Instrumentation: for violin solo

In the classical style over the theme "Brüder, reicht mir die Hand zum Bunde".

Duration: 6' 00"
Edition Alstein
Françoise Stein
Apollostrasse 9
CH-8032 Zürich
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 383 38 01
www.music-alstein.ch/
Jeux Fantasques, op. 32 (1974)

Instrumentation: for piano

Jeu de main - Jeu de vilains - Toccata.

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript
Trois mouvements en Trio, op. 33 (1976)

Instrumentation: for violin, horn and piano

Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript
Introduction et Rondo pastoral, op. 34 (1977)

Instrumentation: for twelve clarinets

Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
Limmat Sketches, op. 35 (1978)

Instrumentation: for harmonic orchestra

Duration: 6' 00"
Schulz-Verlage
Freiburg-Tiengen
Sonata per chitarra, op. 36 (1978-1979)

Duration: 13' 00"
Heinrichshofen's Verlag
Liebigstr. 16
D-26389 Wilhelmshaven
BRD
Fantasia per sassofono e piano, op. 37 (1979)

Also in a version for a small orchestra (pic.1.1.1.cbl.1/1.1.0.0/1perc/cel.hp/str).

Duration: 15' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Le Marteau d'argent, op. 38 (1979)

Instrumentation: for large harmonic orchestra (pic.2.2.ca.Ebcl.3Bbcl.2acl.bcl.2.cbn.4sx/4.2cnt.3.2euph.3.2/timp.3perc)

Duration: 10' 00"
Manuscript
Prologue mystique et Danse rituelle, op. 39 (1980-1981)

Instrumentation: for alto and piano

Duration: 9' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Odyssée à quatre, op. 40 (1981)

Instrumentation: for reed quartet (ob[=ca].cl[=bcl].Ebsx.bn)

Duration: 12' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Concertation, op. 41 (1982-1983)

Instrumentation: for bassoon and piano

Duration: 8' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Alcibiade, op. 42 (1983)
Six pieces

Instrumentation: for guitar

1. Méditation2. Burlesca3. Solitude4. Piccolo capriccio5. Esquisse sul nome BACH6. Danza

Duration: 15' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Sonata a tre, op. 43 (1983)

Instrumentation: for violin, viola (or violoncello) and piano

In a folkloric style.

Duration: 18' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Polyphonia, op. 44 (1984)

Instrumentation: for eight violoncelli

Duration: 15' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
"Bravour-Variationen" über das Thema "Brüder reicht die Hand zum Bunde" nach Mozart (1984)

Instrumentation: for violin solo

Duration: 6' 30"
Edition Alstein
Françoise Stein
Apollostr.9
CH-8032 Zürich
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 383 38 01
www.music-alstein.ch/
Windspiele-Ouverture, op. 45 (1985)

Instrumentation: for large harmonic orchestra (pic.2.2.Ebcl.3Bbcl.2acl.bcl.4sx/4.2cnt.3.2euph.3.2/timp.2perc/str with db)

Duration: 6' 00"
Verlag Emil Ruh
Zürichstr. 33
CH-8134 Adliswil
Brüder, es ist hohe Zeit (1985)

Instrumentation: for baritone and piano

Texts: A. Baumann

Text: A. Baumann.

Duration: 3' 30"
Manuscript
5 Bagatelles, op. 46 ("Hommage à Hindemith") (1986)

Instrumentation: for viola, violoncello and tenor saxophone or bassoon

Duration: 12' 00"
Edition Kunzelmann
Grütstr. 28
CH-8134 Adliswil
Music for a celebration, op. 47 (1987)

Instrumentation: for orchestra (1.1.1.cbn/1.2.1.0/2perc/pf[=cel]/str)

Duration: 10' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
La Moldau (Bedrich Smetana) (1987)

Instrumentation: for piano trio - intergral adaptation

Duration: 14' 00"
Amadeus Verlag
Hermannstrasse 7
CH-8400 Winterthur
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)52 233 28 66
Fax +41 (0)52 233 54 01
www.amadeusmusic.ch
Vier Lieder (Vincenzo Bellini) (1989)

Instrumentation: for tenor, oboe, and string trio (or string quartet)

Duration: 12' 00"
Manuscript
D'un soleil à l'autre, op. 48 (1989-1990)
Symphonic poem

Instrumentation: for large wind orchestra (3.3.6.3.4/4.2.0.1.0/2.3.1.3/timp.perc/db)

Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript
Serenade "... sozusagen grundlos vergnügt", op. 49 (1990)

Instrumentation: for soprano, twelve wind instruments (2.2.2.2.4), violoncello, double-bass and crotales

Texts: Mascha Kaléko

Text: M. Kaléko.

Duration: 20' 00"
Manuscript
Cantate, op. 50 (1991)

Instrumentation: for mixed choir and wind orchestra (pic.2.2.Ebcl.3Bbcl.acl.bcl.2.4sx/4.3.3euph.3.1/timp.2perc/str with db) or symphonic orchestra (2(pic).2.2.bcl.2/4.3.3.1/timp.2perc/str)

Texts: Franz Fassbind

Text: F. Fassbind.

Duration: 18' 00"
Manuscript
Die alte Tanne (1991)

Instrumentation: for baritone and piano

Texts: Otto Frick

Song based ona text by Otto Frick.

Duration: 3' 00"
Manuscript
Capriccio concertante, op. 51 (1994)

Instrumentation: for flute(s), string orchestra and small percussion

Duration: 15' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Streich für Streicher, op. 52 (1994)
Serenade

Duration: 12' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Molnaresca, op. 53 (1994)
Suite

Instrumentation: for F-horn and piano

1. Parade2. Idylle (également pour hautbois d'amour ou clarinette en la) (5')3. Cupidon

Duration: 9' 30"
Nepomuk Musik Verlag
c/o Breitkopf & Härtel Musikverlag
Walkmühlstrasse 52
D-65195 Wiesbaden
BRD
Tel. +49 (0)611 45 0080
vertrieb@breitkopf.de
www.breitkopf.com
Danza andalusa (1995)

Instrumentation: for two guitars

Arranged by W. Feybli.

Duration: 5' 00"
Ediziun Trais Giats
Ardez
Symphonie (1996)

Instrumentation: for orchestra (1.2.2.2/2.0.0.0/str)

Based on the wind serenade in C minor, KV 388 by Mozart.

Duration: 15' 00"
Manuscript
Pastorale, op. 54 (1997)

Instrumentation: for flute(s), piano and chamber orchestra (fl.cl.bcl/hn.tpt.1.1.1.1.1)

Duration: 8' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Schärbächlistrasse 3
CH-8810 Horgen
Schweiz
Tel. +41 (0)44 710 62 52
info@pizzicato.ch
www.pizzicato.ch
Pièce d'orgue, op. 55 (1997)

Duration: 7' 50"
Manuscript
Mosaiques, op. 56 (1997-1998)

Instrumentation: for three guitars

Duration: 11' 00"
Manuscript
"Carpe Diem" nach einer Ode von Horaz, op. 57 (2002)
Symphonic work

Instrumentation: for orchestra (1(pic).1.ca.2.1/1.2.0.1/2perc/cel.bells/str)

Duration: 22' 00"
Manuscript
Streichquartett, op. 58 (2004)
Homage to à Peter Rybar

Duration: 18' 00"
Manuscript
4 Spinas-Fantasie-Stücke, op. 59 (2006-2007)

Instrumentation: for piano solo

Duration: 11' 00"
Manuscript
Regards perdus, op. 60 (2007)
Prelude for the left hand

Instrumentation: for piano

Duration: 7' 00"
Manuscript
Ensembles


Last updated: 2020-10-06 16:48:10