Well known French accordionist and winner of the Coupe Mondiale 1995, Bruno Maurice, graduated from the Paris Conservatorium of Music with Frederic Guerouet and continued his accordion and composition studies in Kiev, Ukraine, with famous Professor Vladimir Besfamilnov and with composer-accordionists Vladimir Zubitsky. Bruno's program for this recording is a 'stroll' through well known romantic favourites, both originally written for the accordion as well as transcribed. Bruno's performance is touchingly subtle and sensitive at times, and with dramatic and emotional pathos at other times. Logics and elasticity of musical phrasing, the way he makes his music breathe, is highly professional. He feels it from the bottom of his stomach and it is that feeling that finds its way to the listener's heart. His tonal culture, his dramatic and dynamic build ups, are also impressive. In Bruno's performance style it is easy to recognise Professor Besfamilnov's musical 'signature' and influence: above all - refined treatment of the musical phrase and profound understanding of the musical contents of the pieces performed. These are the points Professor Besfamilnov made his main teaching emphasis. "Trade elements" in performance, as he used to call it, all sorts of technical preparation were there only to serve higher musical meaning. Considering that Bruno's French teacher, excellent accordionist Frederic Gureouet was also a student of Professor Besfamilnov, the line of musical influence is understandable. I must mention the instrument that Bruno plays. This instrument is one of few, constructed and COMPLETELY build by hand by famous Russian accordion builder and genius in the field, Vasiliy Kolchin (1934-1998). Instruments Kolchin made are of unique construction and sound wise, and are considered to be "Stradivarius of the accordion". I was fortunate to meet Mr. Kolchin in Moscow in 1984, and play on his instruments. His wife, Anne Andrejevna, was an excellent bellows maker (by hand). Kolchin named his instruments "Appassionata", as Beethoven's Piano Sonata "Appassionata" was a favourite piece of Lenin. Professor Besfamilnov owns the last "Appassionata" made by Kolchin, crown of his work. Bruno named his CD "Appassionata" in honour of the instrument he plays on. Very, very enjoyable recording. Why not find out for yourself! |
