Alphen Opus 2 is a 12-piece accordion orchestra. The group was founded in 1995 and is led by the Russian-born conductor Serge Latychev, who is presently living in Heiloo, the Netherlands. Alphen Opus 2 spends much time and thought on promoting contemporary works by Dutch composers. Their repertoire also includes many pieces by composers of diverse nationalities from various periods. In 1996 the orchestra made a concert journey to Moscow, and in 1998 was invited to the International Sata Hame Soi Accordion Festival held in Ikaalinen, Finland. Conductor, Serge Latychev studied accordion at the famous Gnessin Music Academy in Moscow. After graduating Serge led and conducted different ensembles, including the ensemble "Harmonika" and the "Orenburg Cossack Choir". In 1990 Serge moved to the Netherlands, where he currently teaches accordion and conducts several choral and instrumental groups. The repertoire of this accordion ensemble includes original compositions as well as transcriptions. Their program starts with the 8 movement piece entitled "Collection". Written in the contemporary style as its name implies, the piece is a collection of musical pictures and moods, performed very skilfully. The next piece on their program is "Libertango" by Piazzolla. In this piece, just like in every piece that they play on this recording, the ensemble shows great togetherness and unity. Excellently balanced they produce an amazing sound picture together. In Libertango, throughout their performance, they have preserved the very character of the tango while building it up dramatically and emotionally. The beauty of the main theme in Libertango never ceases to touch me. It is wide but then it is also very intimate, it is melancholic but then it has that inner strength to it - and the ensemble have captured splendidly these nuances. It is obvious that the ensemble is led by a very experienced conductor who's musical skills, intuition and knowledge are of a very high standard. His musical thinking is refined and deep and talented musicians of the ensemble follow his instructions very exactly. Boardwalk is their next piece on this recording and what an interesting piece of music! I loved it! It has a pulse and spirit of its own where dynamically the build up is created on a very strong rhythmical pulse, and really sounds impressive. Overall, this is an excellent ensemble of a very high musical standard. Their performance is a pleasure to listen to. |
