Mertz established himself as a composer and performer in Vienna around 1840 and, although popular enthusiasm for the guitar was declining, he forged a new repertoire which differed significantly from the classical and bel canto styles of the composers that preceded him instead making use of harmonic and melodic devices characteristic of the piano music of the era. The title of this collection of virtuosic solo pieces, Bardenklänge, is a reference to the controversial but beloved poetry of Ossian (supposedly a third century Gaelic bard, but in fact the creation of a Scottish antiquarian) whose works enjoyed great popular currency in Europe during the Romantic period.