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Highlights |
Editor's Note
‘Music For All’ TV Pedagogy by Frédéric Deschamps – France, French Speaking Countries
Plans for the 64th Coupe Mondiale, Shanghai – China
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
Aidar Gaynullin Concert with Anna Netrebko and Erwin Schrott - Russia
Martynas Levickis on TV Talent Show, Vilnius – Lithuania
‘Songs From A Hotel Bedroom’, Watford, Ipswich, London - UK
Milica Canak-Krga and Amelia Granturco Graduate, AIM – Australia
Pierre Laval to Open a School of Accordion, Reims – France
‘14 Years Ago’ – Yvette Horner Receives National Honour in France
Future events |
Pascal Contet’s Agenda for January 2011 – France, Switzerland
‘Cruise of Irish Stars’ – USA, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico
Royal Academy of Music Accordion Events, London – UK
Limex Midi Demonstrations, Scotland – UK
‘Russian Day’, Manchester – UK
Peter and Mady Soave with Raphaël Maillot in Concert, Chatonnay – France
Jenny’s Accordionists in Concert, Essex – UK
Paris Moscou Duo 2011 Atout Vent Training Course Dates - France
New and Updated Sites |
Prof. Li Cong Website is Updated, Shanghai - China
NAA Publications new music releases
Heather Masefield Website Updated - New Zealand
HS Productions Releases Four Pieces
CD Reviews |
Help Desk, Information needed, Readers CommentsSubmit Your Question, CommentSUBMIT NOW |
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Highlights |
New Horizon-New Challenge for the World of DIATONIC Accordions - Worldwideby Luigi Bruti Roland V-Accordion Division & Marketing Director |
 New Roland FR-18 Digital Diatonic Accordionhttp://www.accordion-space4u.com/user.aspx?user=2&item=6&id=180 |
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Editor's Noteby Rob Howard |
 Accordions Worldwide, which began its weekly news bulletins in October 1996, rapidly expanded its news and services in the first few weeks, and on January 10th 1997 editor Wayne Knights informed readers, “A bonus for European readers this week is the news in French as well as German. We are busy working towards the past news also in French and the complete site in German, which will be here on Friday 17th January”. Since then the news has been made available in seven languages, and the website has become the largest internet resource for the accordion and accordionists. As we begin 2011, Accordions Worldwide thanks all its many readers, clients and supporters. The accordion needs its own unbiased voice, so please keep sending in your news. It’s a free service, and reaches 50,000 plus readers each week. Rob Howard - Editor |
‘Music For All’ TV Pedagogy by Frédéric Deschamps – France, French Speaking Countriesby Harley Jones |
 From September 2011, the ‘Armony TV’ network will air ‘Music For All’ on Channel 17 of DTT free viewing for France, Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, etc.. ‘Armony TV’ is opening its programming to the teaching of the accordion.This 26-minute weekly program titled ‘Music for All’ to be led by Frédéric Deschamps, will air every Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4pm, and then broadcast again an hour and a half later, from 5.30pm to 6pm on the same day, allowing all accordionists to assimilate the first showing, apply the lesson material, and then re-watch the show to check that the information has been absorbed correctly. This is a really nice initiative for our instrument, which will give audio-visual teaching sequences for all French speaking accordionists as developed by Frédéric Deschamps. The broadcasting begins in September 2011 and is a unique and innovative addition to our instrument. The accordion is not the only instrument. This will also apply to other instruments such as guitar, piano, drums and harmonica, respectively released on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of each week, with Frédéric Deschamps being the program director. Further information about this exciting accordion project will be released in the coming weeks. |
Plans for the 64th Coupe Mondiale, Shanghai – Chinaby Prof. Li Cong, President, China Accordion Association |
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 The seminar ‘Coupe Mondiale and the Development of Accordion’ in China was successfully held during December on 18th and 19th in Shanghai, with up to 50 people present. CAA President Ziqiang Zhang, Vice President Xiaoping Wang (and Secretary General), Prof Li Cong (picture right), Guoli Yang, Luping Bai and Ning Du, as well as 20 executive directors attended the forum. Presidents of accordion associations in Shandong, Hubei, Shanxi, Hebei, Guizhou, Yunnan, Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Gansu provinces also attended. It was decided at the meeting that the 64th Shanghai Coupe Mondiale, which takes place from October 1st to 7th, should be given full support, and the CAA should take the opportunity of this event to further develop the accordion in China. Competition entries for the 2011 Coupe Mondiale close on August 20th. The following was agreed: 1) The year 2011 will be named “The Year of Chinese Accordion”. 2) A series of Coupe Mondiale-related events will be conducted throughout the country in order to promote the 64th Coupe Mondiale. There will also be other performances, solicited articles and local competitions to celebrate World Accordion Day and the 64th Coupe Mondiale. 3) Over 20 accordion teams from all over the country will be selected, and invited to perform accordion shows in various forms during the Coupe Mondiale. 4) Accordion teachers and students will be encouraged to watch and appreciate the competitions and concerts of the 64th Coupe Mondiale. Although the 64th Shanghai Coupe Mondiale will only last for five days, the CAA still hopes that it will have a huge influence in the whole country and over the whole of the year, in line with the goals of the CIA and the Coupe Mondiale. |
Reports for Concerts, Masterclasses, Competitions, Festivals, etc. |
XVIII “Arrasate-Hira” International Accordion Competition - Spainby Francesca Pigini, Pigini Accordion Factory |
 From the 4th to 7th December, XVIII “Arrasate-Hira” International Accordion Competition and several National Competitions took place in Arrasate, Spain. These competitions are organised annually by "Haupoz"- Euskal Herriko Akordeoi Elkartea (Basque Association of Accordion Players). There was big participation and a very high musical level, and the International Jury formed by Iñaki Alberdi (Spain), Gabriel Erkoreka (Spain), Alexey Artemiev (Russia), Matti Rantanen (Finland) and Vojin Vasovic (Serbia) decided the following competition results: XVIII “Arrasate-Hira” International Accordion Competition 1st: Ivan Sverko (Croatia) €3.600, txapela, diploma, trophy and a concert tour (picture right). 2nd: Nikola Kerkez (Serbia) €1.800, diploma and trophy. 3rd: Janne Valkajoki (Finland) €900, diploma and trophy. XXXI Certamen Guipuzcoano Children category: 1st: Amaia Zubimendi (€200, txapela, diploma and trophy) 2nd: Eduardo Navarro (€150, diploma and trophy) 3rd: Carlos Valbuena (€100, diploma and trophy) Junior Category: 1st: Iñigo Miqueleiz (€400, txapela, diploma and trophy) 2nd: Lore Amenabar (€300, diploma and trophy) 3rd: Mikel Cerrada (€200, diploma and trophy) Senior Category: 1st: María Zubimendi (€800, txapela, diploma and trophy) 2nd: Helena Sousa (€500, diploma and trophy) 3rd: Ivana Mirkov (€300, diploma and trophy) Additional to these competition categories, the XXIII Gipuzkoa Festival took place. This is a non-competitive promotional festival for soloists, chamber music or instrumental groups, in which students of different ages can take part. |
Aidar Gaynullin Concert with Anna Netrebko and Erwin Schrott - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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| On December 13th a charity concert ‘Stars in the Kremlin’, organized by Russia’s first lady Swetlana Medwedewa, took place in the Aleksandrovsk Hall of the Kremlin, Moscow, in order to support the development and the construction of the Medical Center for Female Health in St. Petersburg. In front of an illustrious crowd (businessmen, politicians, cultural creatives) artists of first rank appeared: Anna Netrebko (soprano, Russia) and her husband Erwin Schrott (baritone, Uruguay), accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra ‘New Russia’, under its Artistic Director Yury Bashmet and conductor Claudio Vandelli (Italy), presented airs and duets from operas of Russian and international composers. Among the artists of this first class charity event was also Aidar Gaynullin, a world-known bayanist, singer and composer. Aydar played three Argentine tangos in a very convincing way, not only on a conventional bayan, but also on a French Accordina. He pleased very much not only the public, but also Netrebko and Schrott, who spontaneously invited him to musically accompany them on their world tour. Aidar Gajnullin is the winner of the national film award ‘Nika’ and the national ‘White elephant’ prize of the film press and film critics for his film music ‘Euphoria’, created by Ivan Wyrypayev. At the XX Open all-Russian film festival ‘Kinotavr’ (Sotshi, 2009) he was nominated in the category ‘Best film music’ for the film ‘Oxygen’, by Ivan Wyrypayev. Aidar is winner of 18 international accordion competitions, including the ‘Coupe Mondiale’ (London, 2001). He has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, including the Big Hall of the Berlin Philharmonic, Salle Gaveau (Paris), Wigmore Hall (London), and the Kennedy Center (Washington). For his outstanding interpretations on the bayan he was registered in the ‘Golden book of talents of Russia’ on behalf of the President of Russia in 2003. In this year the musician became also scholarship holder of the funds Mstislaw Rostropovitch, Friedrich Lips and ‘Russian Performing Art’. In May 2003 Aidar became honorary member of the conservatory in Kaunas, Lithuania. From the government he received the honor ‘Young talent of Russia’, and the prize ‘Best of the best’ in 2007. He has also served several times on the jury of renowned national and international festivals and competitions. |
Martynas Levickis on TV Talent Show, Vilnius – Lithuaniaby Rob Howard |
 On Sunday January 16th accordionist Martynas Levickis takes part in the finals of the televised Talent Show, broadcast live on Lithuanian channel TV3. In the semi-finals, which can be found on youtube, he won through by an overwhelming audience vote.Lithuanian-born classical accordionist Martynas Levickis has been playing accordion since 3 years old, and attended Šiauliai Conservatory. He has won prizes at international competitions in Lithuania, the USA, Italy, France, Netherlands, Poland, Estonia and Belarus, including winning the International Piano Accordion category at the 2010 Coupe Mondiale (World Accordion Championships) in Varaždin, Croatia, and has performed with distinction internationally. In 2008 Martynas entered the Royal Academy of Music, London, studying under the direction of Professor Owen Murray. He has performed in master classes with Friedrich Lips, Matti Rantanen, Claudio Jacomucci, Nikolaj Sevriukov, and others. Martynas is an active member of the Lithuanian Accordionists’ Association by establishing new ideas and creating better opportunities for young accordionists. |
‘Songs From A Hotel Bedroom’, Watford, Ipswich, London - UKby Romano Viazzani |
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| Late autumn saw a new musical based on the music of Kurt Weill called ‘Songs from a Hotel Bedroom’ tour three theatres, opening at the Watford Palace Theatre, then to Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre, and ending the run before Christmas at Covent Garden Opera House’s Linbury Theatre. Kurt Weill is perhaps best known for ‘The Threepenny Opera’, from which ‘Mack the Knife’ was transformed into a popular song. That work was from his early period in Germany. ‘Songs from a Hotel Bedroom’ concentrated on songs from the later period (1940s), once he had fled to the USA and collaborated with the likes of Ira Gershwin, Ogden Nash and Alan J. Lerner among others; songs such as ‘September Song’, ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘Speak Low’. The story concerned itself with the life of a songwriter/bandleader Dan (played by West End Star Nigel Richards) and his lover and band singer Angelique (played by Frances Ruffelle – the original Eponine in ‘Les Miserables’, and also the 1994 UK contender for the Eurovision Song Contest), and their life on tour with their band, at first together and then apart. They interpreted the songs with both vocal virtuosity and emotional intensity making their characters compelling to watch. The 7- piece band, which received particular praise with the critics, was on stage being part of the drama throughout the show and included Romano Viazzani on accordion. The beautiful orchestrations were arranged by James Holmes, a hugely experienced MD who works regularly with Sir Simon Rattle and various orchestras such as the LSO, Halle, and CBSO. He also led the band on stage and played the piano. Being a Weill expert and well-versed in the tango genre too it was natural that the production would have a tango element in it. This came in the form of two wonderful tango dancers, Tara Pilbrow and Amir Giles, who often personified the mood and at times became quasi alter egos of the two main characters as well as at times foreshadowing the lovers’ destinies. Kate Flatt, who co-wrote the piece with Peter Rowe and also choreographed and directed the show having previously choreographed ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Turandot’ (Royal Opera House), ‘Peter Grimes’ (Opera North) Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ (ENO). The show was produced by Fiona Mason (SEGUE) and received excellent reviews seeing sell-out performances in Covent Garden. |
Milica Canak-Krga and Amelia Granturco Graduate, AIM – Australiaby Rob Howard |
 The Australian Institute of Music, the first tertiary institution in Australia to offer accordion studies within their classical performance department, has had two students graduate at the end of 2010.Milica Canak-Krga graduated with a B.Mus – First class honours and Amelia Granturco (picture right) graduated with with a B. Mus. Another student, Vincenzo Tavernese performed his graduating recital in December 2010. For further information contact Head of Accordion Studies, Dr. Elizabeth Jones (picture center), email: ejones@aim.edu.au |
Pierre Laval to Open a School of Accordion, Reims – Franceby Rob Howard |
 Pierre Laval, one of France’s best up-and-coming accordion talents, is to open his own accordion school in Reims on September 24th.Pierre Laval (born 1989), from Reims, has competed successfully in many national and international accordion competitions. He studied the accordion at CNIMA "Jacques Mornet," and obtained his Diploma of Music Studies in the Conservatory of Gennevilliers. He often performs as an accordion duo with Felicien Brut. On February 6th, 9pm, Pierre Laval performs at the Gala d'Accordéon, at the Casino, La Bourboule, Auvergne. For further information email: escapademusic@hotmail.fr |
‘14 Years Ago’ – Yvette Horner Receives National Honour in Franceby Rob Howard |
 Yvette Horner, CIA World Champion in 1948, has represented the accordion in France and other countries with great style and dignity. Still active today, Yvette was honoured by her country in late 1996, as reported on Accordions Worldwide in the news posted on January 10th 1997…FRENCH ACCORDIONIST HONORED BY PRESIDENT - FRANCE Contributed by Claude Cavagnolo, Europe Musique Instruments On December 17th 1996, well known accordionist Yvette Horner was honoured with the Legion of Honour by the President of France, Mr Jacques Chirac. |
Future events |
Friedrich Lips’ 2011 Diary Engagements, Moscow - Russiaby Dr Herbert Scheibenreif Manager of Friedrich Lips Productions |
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| Friedrich Lips, ‘Honored People’s Artist of Russia’, is one of the world’s most sought after concert accordionists and educators. He performs works written for him by Russia's leading composers and his own transcriptions of works for other instruments, and has made numerous recordings. He is Professor at the Gnessin Institute, Moscow, and author of the widely acclaimed book, ‘The Art of Bayan Playing’. Friedrich Lips’s diary dates include: February 9th to 11th - solo concerts in Astana and Karaganda (Kazakhstan) February 12th - A.Cholminov - ‘Concert for bayan and symphony orchestra’, E. Podgaits – ‘Viva Voce’, for bayan and chamber orchestra, Karaganda February 14th to 20th - master class in Pula, Croatia February 23rd to 26th - master class at the Royal Academy of Music, London, UK March 1st - master class in Woronesh, Russia March 4th – concert, Friedrich Lips and his students in Moscow, with chamber orchestra; program includes Bach – ‘Musikalisches Opfer’, and music by Piazzolla March 19th – ‘All Russian Day of Bayan, Accordion and Harmonica’ in Moscow March 20th – concert in Kurgan, Russia: Piazzolla, with chamber orchestra April 1st to 7th - jury member at the Repnikov competition in Petrosavodsk, Russia April 8th,15th, 22nd - S.Gubaidulina: ‘Seven Words’, Eurythmy, Italy, and Dornach, Switzerland April 19th and 20th - solo concert and master class in Trossingen, Germany May 2nd to 8th - adjudicator in Klingenthal, Germany May 11th to 17th - head of jury at the Panitsky competition, Saratov, Russia July 11th to 15th - workshop in Imst, Austria For further information email: herbert@accordion-cd.co.at |
Pascal Contet’s Agenda for January 2011 – France, Switzerlandby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
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| French accordionist Pascal Contet performs as follows: January 15th, 8.30pm – concert with the Orchestra of Besançon-Montbéliard, Scènes du Jura, Dole January 18th to 22nd, 7.30pm - Théâtre Saint-Gervais, Geneva, Switzerland January 23rd, 6pm - Auditorium du Conservatoire, Poitiers For further information email: paulochien@orange.fr |
‘Cruise of Irish Stars’ – USA, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexicoby Rob Howard |
 The 2011 ‘Cruise of Irish Stars’ departs from Miami, Florida, at 9pm on January 28th, and calls at Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Mexico, returning to Florida on February 4th. The organisers are Cruise Specialists of Long Island Ltd, 310 Commack Rd, Commack, New York.The on-board Irish entertainers include accordionists Declan Aungier and Paddy Noonan, the all-female band Cherish the Ladies (featuring accordionist Mirella Murray), all-girl rock band the Screaming Orphans (featuring accordionist Marie Thérèse Diver), the Willie Lynch Band (featuring accordionist Paddy Yorke), singers Andy Cooney and Ronan Tynan, accordion/vocals duo Stephen’s Green, vocal duo Fran and Pat Marnane, singer/pianist Noel Kingston, singer/guitarist Tom Comerford, pianist Bill Lewis, Irish dancing teacher Susan Connors, and the comedian Noel V. Ginnity. For further information phone: +1 631-499-2010 |
Royal Academy of Music Accordion Events, London – UKby Rob Howard |
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| The Royal Academy of Music in London has the following accordion events listed in their diary for January and February: January 14th, 9.45 - 10.30 pm - Martynas Levickis (student of Professor Owen Murray at the RAM), The Front Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, PLG Concert Series, London January 15th, 8pm - Owen Murray, accordion, London Orchestra da Camera, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Barbican Concert Hall, London January 20th, 1pm - Final of Patrons Wigmore Award, Wigmore Hall, featuring Rafal Luc (student of Owen Murray at the RAM) Free event, but tickets are required from: e.good@ram.ac.uk. February 23rd, 7.30pm - Accordion Showcase. Royal Academy of Music February 25th, 10am to 5pm - Accordion Master Class, Professor Friedrich Lips, Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, Moscow For further information email: o.murray@ram.ac.uk |
Limex Midi Demonstrations, Scotland – UKby Rob Howard |
| Scottish accordionist Roy Hendrie presents a series of demonstration of Limex MIDI products: January 15th, 1pm, at the Music Corner, 86-88 Mary St, Laurieston, Falkirk, Stirlingshire FK2 9PP January 22nd, 1pm to 3pm - Wilkies Music House, Canal Crescent, Perth, Perthshire PH2 8HT February 7th, 1pm till 4pm - Bruce Millers, 363 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BN Roy Hendrie will also perform as guest at the following Accordion & Fiddle clubs in Scotland, using the Limex midi system: February 6th – Gretna, February 8th – Renfrew, March 15th – Mauchline, April 18th – Beith, May 25th – Banff, August 23rd – Ellon, September 4th – Arbroath, November 20th - Annan For further information email: royster@royhendrie.co.uk |
‘Russian Day’, Manchester – UKby Rob Howard |
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| The Manchester-St Petersburg Friendship Society is organizing a ‘Russian Day’, which takes place on Saturday January 22nd, from 1.30pm, at the Nazarene Theological College, Dene Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2GU. The day includes a range of Russian-type activities that visitors can join in with, such as singing, music, dancing, language, history, etc. In the evening, 7pm, there is a concert featuring various artistes, including the Manchester schools Kalina Balalaika Ensemble (MD Brian Hulme) and accordionist Rob Howard. For further information email: randb.hulme@btinternet.com |
Peter and Mady Soave with Raphaël Maillot in Concert, Chatonnay – Franceby Rob Howard |
 Peter and Mady Soave accompany young accordion virtuoso Raphaël Maillot in a concert at the church in Chatonnay 38440, in the Jura department, Franche-Comté in eastern France, on Saturday January 22nd, 6pm. Also appearing in the concert are members of the are Accordéon club De Chatonnay, plus trumpet players and violinists. Admission is free, but donations made will go to AFM (muscular dystrophy)Teenager Raphaël Maillot, in addition to his brilliant accordion talent, was recently featured on TV showing off his origami skills on Téléthon de France 2. For further information email: pitcok@wanadoo.fr |
Jenny’s Accordionists in Concert, Essex – UKby Rob Howard |
| The accordion orchestra Jenny’s Accordionists (MD Jenny Neal) perform in concert at the Salvation Army Church, Butt Road, Southway, Colchester, Essex CO3 3DA, on Saturday February 26th, 3.30pm. Admission by donation; refreshments; programmes £2. For further information email: jenny-neal@excite.com |
Paris Moscou Duo 2011 Atout Vent Training Course Dates - Franceby Holda Paoletti-Kampl |
 Accordionists Domi Emorine and Roman Jbanov, known professionally as the Paris Moscou Duo, have announced the following training course dates on behalf of the association Atout Vent:March 5th and 6th – in partnership with l'EMCR (Rennais) and Maryse Roux (Professer at the Conservatory in Roche/Yon) and Céline Rivaol (Professer Brest Conservatory). April 23rd, 24th, 25th - in partnership with l'EMCR (Rennais) August 21st to 27th – summer course, with Atout Vent teachers Angélique Goardou, Delphine Doublot, Camille Privat, Damien Petiteau, Nicolas Lebret and Alexandre Monnier For further information email: duopm@sfr.fr. |
New and Updated Sites |
Charnwood Publications releases new piecesby Charnwood Publishing |
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| Charnwood Publications releases 6 new pieces by composer Douglas Ward titled, 'Khalif of Kotar', catalog:DW912, 'Lamentosa', catalog:DW913, 'Rhapsidium for a Rainy Day', catalog:DW914, 'Three Down Up', catalog:DW915, 'Two Boots', catalog:DW916 and 'Jabbermouth', catalog:DW917. Samples of the music are available online. Purchase with credit card. |
Prof. Li Cong Website is Updated, Shanghai - Chinaby Prof. Li Cong, President, China Accordion Association |
 Prof. Li Cong website is updated. 1995, President of Shanghai Accordion Association; 1998, Accordions Worldwide China Director 2002, Vice President of Chinese Accordion Association (CAA); 2009, Vice Director of Normal Universities Accordion Committee, Chinese Society of Education; 2009, Director of Chinese Musicians Association; 2010, Member of Music Committee, CIA Professor and also dean of Music College in Shanghai Normal University. |
NAA Publications new music releasesby NAA Publications |
| National Accordion Association releases 4 new pieces, 'Over The Waves (Medium Level)', catalog:naa187, 'Polly Wolly Doodle', catalog:naa189, 'Golden Slippers', catalog:naa190 and 'I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover', catalog:naa197. Samples of the music are available online. The music are in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
Heather Masefield Website Updated - New Zealandby Heather Masefield |
 Heather Masefield, well known teacher and international adjudicator of New Zealand, NZAA Secretary, Website Updated. |
HS Productions Releases Four Piecesby H S Productions |
| Herbert Scheibenreif Production releases 4 new music of 'At The Sea', catalog:hs599, 'Eiderdown', catalog:hs600, 'Etude - Gallon', catalog:hs601 and 'On The Yacht', catalog:hs602. Samples of the music are available online. The music is in eSheet format, able to be emailed to your computer. Purchase with credit card. |
CD Reviews |
Viva Voce CD Reviewby Joan C. Sommers |
 CD Reviews Index for the Review of Viva Voce CD by Joan Sommers. Performer is Friedrich Lips. Review in English and German languages. |
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