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 "Appassionata
2" by French accordionist Bruno Maurice follows his first
recording "Appassionata 1" reviewed on June
16th 2000 which contains all Bruno's biographical information.
Bruno wrote to me: "I am happy to present to you my new
CD "Appassionata 2", with a new program of transcriptions,
original music and personal compositions…….."
Whenever I hear Bruno's instrument,
a unique bayan in the world, constructed and hand made by the
late Russian accordion builder Vassilij Kolchin, it totally fascinates
me. Ingenuous construction, indescribable beauty of its tone,
its warmth, color, response, it's 'singing' quality (due to double
piccolo reeds in the treble) - it is an experience that has to
be heard in person.
Bruno is fortunate to now own the
instrument that for many years belonged to Ukrainian accordionist,
Professor and artist, and recent recipient of the CIA
Merit Award, Vladimir
Besfamilnov. During my studies is Kiev, I used to hear Professor
Besfamilnov perform on that accordion in concert and in private.
For this second recording, Bruno
selected pieces originally written for the accordion as well as
transcriptions. I particularly liked the transcriptions he performs,
firstly because they were done well - nothing worse than poor
transcriptions where accordionists try to stick to the original
at any cost not keeping in mind that they perform on a different
instrument and not taking advantage of its differences. Thematically,
Bruno's program for this recording are miniatures of different
epochs but of the same romantic nature. He performs them using
wide phrasing, building smooth, long breaths which gives his performance
profound depth. Bruno gets into the character of the pieces masterly,
bringing it to the listener with good taste, refinement and delicacy.
A delightful performance. ****
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