Here
is an hour of music that is easy to listen to and above all clearly shows what
a (classical) group of accordions can achieve. The offered programme - that alternates
between original compositions for accordion groups (gotz ecc), trancriptions (farkas)
arrangements and elaborations (piazolla ecc) - proposes different genres and artistic
styles from composers of the 20th century. From
evocative ( almost descriptive) pieces such as Piazolla's Otono Porteno or Schamo's
Dnjepr Walzer - to standard pieces more or less Classic" or "virtuoso"
- like the brilliant Toccata by the Lithuanian Bagdonas, the intense Fugata by
Piazzolla or the interesting variations and fugue that make up the Lambada concertante
by Tamulionis; we then proceed to traditional dances - Antiche danze ungheresi,
in "old style" by Farkas( transcribed by Lech Puchnowski who is known
internationally through his glorious Warsaw Quintet) or even the Habanera by Balsys,
then on to "transformed" dances such as tango piazzolliano by Michelangelo
70 or the aggressive (wild) Danza Salvaje by the same argentinian composer ( originally
scored for a string quartet), until finally we reach the captivating rhythmic
ideas drawn from the work the the german Gotz entitled Harlekinaden ( that inspired
the title of the album). Overall a well accomplished work: from the selection
of the tunes to the respective interpretations, which denote a knowledge of style
and differentation as well as a good understanding between the players; the adaptations
of the 4 Piazzolla tunes (by the septet themselves ) are very effective as they
do not over inflate the arrangements of the great maestro's compositions but use
the many techno - phonic capabilities of the accordion ( used effectively on occasion
as a percussion instrument). I conclude with an appreciation also of the extensive
notes and illustrations in the accompanying booklet. It is to be hoped that this
is the first of many albums from the "Victoria Septet" |