Viatcheslav Semionov has just recently released a new two CD pack wherein all the compositions are composed by him. It is a stellar accomplishment in the life of such a well-known artist, performer and composer. It is also a gift to the many musicians of today and to those of the future to have these performances preserved for posterity. Included on the two-CD release are the following Semionov compositions: (1975) Bulgarian Suite; (1977) Don Rhapsody No. 1; (1982, 1989) Two Children’s Suites; (1993) Devotion; (1991) Don Rhapsody No. 2; (1996) Brahmsiana; (1991) Prophetic Dream; (2001, 2006) Two Caprices; (2007) Two Romantic Meditations; (1992) Basqueriad; (2008) In the Land of Dreams; and (2005) Divertimento. It includes many of his well-known compositions, some in a new version, others recorded for the first time, and also some new works of recent years. There are comprehensive and wonderful liner notes prepared by Anatoly Beljaev (Peoples’ Artist of Russia). It is obvious that he, too, has great respect, admiration, and love for this musician who performs, composes, teaches, researches and designs instrument improvements, and public figure: Viatcheslav Semionov. These notes provide great insight into the temperament of the composer who holds both the Peoples’ Artist of Russia and the Order of Friendship award as well as serving as an excellent example for all young and talented musicians. Semionov has performed in more than 40 countries worldwide. Professor Viatcheslav Semionov celebrated his 60th anniversary just a few years ago and this album serves as another great achievement in the life of this musician. Beljaev writes, “Viatcheslav Semionov does not require any special introduction. His bright talent and wide international recognition speak for themselves. What stands out in his creative activity is his gift of being a composer.” The famous series “Anthology of Compositions for Button Accordion” includes his compositions. Additionally, his works are published in Russia, France, Switzerland, Germany, China and the United States. They have become constants in the accordion repertoire of fellow artist performers as well as that of serious entrants in the field of accordion competitions held throughout the world. Everyone recognizes his immense and unmistakable talent for melody. Beljaev further notes, “His music attracts the listener not by showy effects but by its depth, its imagery and its evocation of emotions. As a mature artist, exploring new paths in the accordion repertoire, he has earned recognition around the world. His major works are saturated with emotional heat, reflecting the philosophy of the struggle between good and evil. Each piece is a complete musical image with its own sphere of intonation, harmony and rhythm. And throughout there is a pure and sincere attitude towards the music.” There is also a paragraph by Semionov stating why he recorded and produced this album. He writes, “This album is my answer to all the questions which I am asked so often by professional musicians, students, teachers and other devotees of accordion music. Now every interested listener or performer will be able to compare my interpretations of my music with theirs.” But he then further writes, “I always welcome the creative ideas of other performers. Their profound and sometimes unexpected readings give new life again and again to my musical pieces.” Perhaps that is just one more proof of the true greatness of this important and prolific composer still working today. You must avail yourself of this opportunity to hear Semionov perform these outstanding and very well-known compositions for the bayan/accordion. Do not deprive yourself; buy it now at your first chance to do so. You will not regret adding this two CD Pack My Images to your most valuable and important recordings. My Images is available at MusicForAccordion.com, catalog number: vs805 The price is Euro 25. The composer/performer may be contacted at: Tel: +7 (495) 392-81-77 or by E-mail: Semionov_slava@mail.ru As musicians we continue to examine the lives of various composers, conductors, and performers, all of whom were active but now gone for many years, or even hundreds of years! We are encouraged to research their general contributions to the field of music as well as those made more directly to the repertoire of a particular instrument perhaps. Maybe we read about the performances and contributions of Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Domenico Scarlatti, Robert Schumann, George Frideric Handel, Franz Liszt Richard Strauss, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frederic Chopin, Sergei Rachmaninoff, or those of more recent times such as George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, John Adams, and maybe even John Williams. But how often do many of us actually have the rare opportunity to meet a celebrated composer and to hear him perform his own works...works which have made a considerable and lasting impression or contribution to our very own field, the accordion? Do we recognize it now, in the present, when that person is still active or will it not be acknowledged until many years later, in the future? That possibility exists in the person of Viatcheslav Semionov, the well-known Russian bayanist and composer. There are many exciting, perhaps even outstanding, performers today in the world of the accordion! Many of them are not only fine performers and teachers but they are also well-educated musicians who have made great contributions to the repertoire of the instrument by introducing it to renowned and respected composers. But how many outstanding performers are also truly gifted and knowledgeable composers? The one person who comes immediately to mind is Viatcheslav Semionov. Many may have seen and heard him in person or have played or studied his compositions. We may have heard concert performances and recordings by other professionals. We may also have heard Semionov compositions performed in innumerable competitions by students of his own or others. Not until now, however, have we had the rare gift of being allowed to hear the composer perform so many of his own compositions as he would like to have them performed, under conditions such as were possible in this new recording made at the end of 2009. Semionov, the composer, has now recorded several of his own compositions and he has done so at an age when many outstanding performers no longer subject themselves to the rigorous hours of dedicated practice in order to perform such difficult compositions. It is a rare occurrence, an accomplishment which present day accordionists should relish. Perhaps all of us might even imagine we are in the midst of a person who is very special indeed, one who performs and composes as expertly as those persons we honor from the past. Maybe the name of Viatcheslav Semionov will be remembered and researched many years from now by musicians of the future, long after all of us are gone. But for the present, this new CD “My Image” by Viatcheslav Semionov lets us experience hearing the composer performing his own works. It is worth your effort to obtain it. You will admire the performances and you will enjoy the repertoire. Reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers, August, 2010.
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