 This
is one of those CD recitals which one would love to experience in
person just as it is heard on this compilation of various artists
performing with the Norwegian accordionist, Jon Faukstad, on several
occasions. Rarely does one have the opportunity to hear such a variety
of instruments on a single concert; this CD gives us this chance.
Chamber music, of course, is so intimate and requires truly fine
cooperation between and among the performers; there is no room for
hiding. And, on the recordings heard here, there is no need for
it; these performances are just perfect in every way.
First of all, the performers are all very fine; second of all, the
repertoire is so varied, interesting, and well-written in every
instance. I can do nothing but praise every single presentation
and I would urge you to buy this particular CD. If you are a devotee
of chamber music, you will definitely appreciate it; if you are
new to this particular area of accordion repertoire, you will not
find any better way in which to be introduced to it. This recording
has so many different instruments and styles it is a perfect chamber
music recital. I am confident that many accordionists will also
want to add some of this fine music to their repertoire after hearing
it even once.
The first two pieces, "Two Wild Cherries" - poetry by
Magli Elster and "Three-leaf Clover" - poetry by Inger
Hagerup, both composed by Øistein Sommerfeldt for accordion
and female voice, are extremely attractive. The vocalist, Helga
Botn (soprano), is just exquisite! She has a lovely voice, fine
musicianship and is perfectly suited to the music and the poetry.
As in all the pieces on the CD, Jon Faukstad meets the demands of
the music equally in every way. These two Sommerfeldt pieces are
among my favorites on the CD! They are worthy suggestions for any
vocal recital.
The third piece, "Partita" by Trygve Madsen, is for two
accordions. In this recording Jon Faukstad and the world-famous
Russian bayanist, Friedrich Lips, are the two collaborators. Both
are more than equal to the task of playing the demanding score.
Accordionists seeking duets of a substantial musical nature, yet
attractive and interesting to the general public, would be wise
to study this ambitious accordion duo score. There are four movements,
each different and yet quite connected.
Next comes a selection for accordions and percussion by Olav Anton
Thommessen: "A Chord? D'accord!" which, again, was performed
exceedingly well by accordionists, Jon Faukstad and Tom Karlsrud,
and percussionist Bjørn Rabben. There is no rest for any
player; they must be at the top of their musical form to carry this
off. "Endurance and precision" are both absolutely necessary
for this piece. Even so, I wished for even more variety in the rhythms
and the musical lines and, yes, a bit of mallet work, too. Perhaps
I keep recalling the quite remarkable "Duell for Akkordeon
und Schlagzeug" by Torbjörn Lundquist as the model of
perfection for such compositions. Nonetheless, I found this piece
well written and interesting and do not mean to be critical of performers
or composition!
For those of you who love hearing the accordion played with other
wind instruments, now you may have your treat in the following two
compositions, both for clarinet and accordion. The first "Canzonetta"
by Dag Schjelderup-Ebbe and the second "The Chase" by
Håkon Berge provide a range of playing that is really first-class
in both cases. "The Chase" is a particularly interesting
selection with interesting, provocative and imaginative phrases
tempting one's imagination and would seem to be an excellent source
of music for a modern dance presentation. Both pieces showcase fine
sensitive playing by the two performers, Jon Faukstad on accordion
and Hans Christian Braein on clarinet, with careful attention to
dynamic melding of sounds from the accordion and the clarinet. I
must admit a preference and personal liking of the Berge piece,
however, which I found truly excellent!
The final selection on the CD is a group of 5 pieces under the title
of "A Summer Gone By" written by Sigmund Groven for accordion
and violin. Each of the 5 pieces is so perfectly titled and you
will like each of them immediately upon first hearing! This is truly
a sentimental recollection of a beautiful summer experience. Each
piece is a gem! The ethereal quality of "White Nights"
is undeniable and "A Saturday Night" will make your feet
itch with a desire to get up and dance. You will indeed elicit a
smile or two in listening to this final piece on this totally outstanding
CD of chamber music featuring the accordion. Both Jon Faukstad on
accordion and Per Saemund Bjoerkum on violin are simply superb.
I recommend this CD very highly!
 Jon
Faukstad is professor and head of the accordion section at the Norwegian
Academy of Music in Oslo. He has collaborated with many Norwegian
composers and encouraged them to write for the accordion and is
to be congratulated for his work in compiling these chamber pieces,
an area of growing importance for all accordionists throughout the
world. He graduated from the University of Oslo with a degree in
musicology, political science and history and also studied with
Mogens Ellegaard at the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen.
Professor Faukstad has performed a number of musical premieres and
played the music on TV, in radio programs, as well as on various
concert tours, both in Norway and abroad. He is also a famous folk
musician and has played with some of the most outstanding fiddlers
in Norway.
This new CD may be obtained through www.jps-records.no and the parts
and scores are available as data files and printable from your PC
or Mac. Contact: post@jps-records.no
CD Review Joan
Cochran Sommers - 21 March, 2008
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