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 (1937-1938/50)
Version for orchestraInstrumentation: for small orchestra (1.1.2.1/1.1.1.1/2perc/hp/str)
Duration: 10' 00"
Nepomuk Musik Verlag
Sonate no. 1, op. 3 (1944/91)
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
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
Dorfschwalben aus Oesterreich (Josef Strauss, Eduard Schütt) (1946)
AdaptationInstrumentation: 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
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
Fantasia, op. 7 (1949)
Instrumentation: for bassoon, strings and percussion
Duration: 6' 00"
edition modern München
Nocturne, op. 8 (1949-1950)
Instrumentation: for violin, strings and harp (or with piano accompaniment)
Duration: 7' 00"
edition modern München
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
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"
Editions Henn
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
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
Duration: 8' 00"
Manuscript
Sonate, op. 18 (1959-1960)
Instrumentation: for cello and piano
Duration: 22' 00"
Edition Alstein
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
Musik für Bläserquintett, op. 20 (1960)
Duration: 10' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
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
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
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
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
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
Thema und Variationen in D-Dur (1971/91)
Instrumentation: for violoncello and piano
In the classical style over the theme "Brüder, reicht die Hand zum Bunde".
Duration: 5' 00"
Edition Alstein
Bravour-Variationen (1971/94)
Instrumentation: for violin solo
In the classical style over the theme "Brüder, reicht mir die Hand zum Bunde".
Duration: 6' 00"
Edition Alstein
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
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 piecesInstrumentation: for guitar
1. Méditation2. Burlesca3. Solitude4. Piccolo capriccio5. Esquisse sul nome BACH6. Danza
Duration: 15' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Sonata a tre, op. 43 (1983)
Instrumentation: for violin, viola (or violoncello) and piano
In a folkloric style.
Duration: 18' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
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
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
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
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
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
Duration: 18' 00"
Manuscript
Die alte Tanne (1991)
Instrumentation: for baritone and piano
Texts: 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
Streich für Streicher, op. 52 (1994)
SerenadeDuration: 12' 00"
Pizzicato Verlag Helvetia
Molnaresca, op. 53 (1994)
SuiteInstrumentation: 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
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
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
Mersson, Boris: Un idéal musical et maçonnique: Mozart (1756-1791), in: Mensuel Alpina 5 (1991)
Viret, Jacques: Un juvenile Octogénaire. Boris Mersson, in: Revue musicale de Suisse Romande (Decembre 2001) (2001)
Baumann, Dorothea: Théâtre Musical. L'oeuvre des compositeurs Suisses du 20ème siècle, in: Schweizer Theaterjahrbuch 45 (1983), S. 325
Hayoz, Jean-Michel: Autour des derniers opus de Boris Mersson, in: Schweizer Musikzeitung 2 (1982)
Holmes, John L.: Artikel "Boris Mersson", in: Conducters on Record, Victor Gollancz, London 1982, S. 446
Decugis, Claude: Cinq questions à Boris Mersson, in: Revue de la Fédération musicale de Normandie et d'Eure-et-Loir 10 (1981)
Flechtner, Michel R.: Les Fanfares et la Musique pour instruments à vent au XXème siècle, in: Schweizer Musikzeitung 3 (1981)
Schibler, Armin: Boris Mersson. Eine Würdigung seines Wirkens, in: Mensuel Alpina 12 (1981)