Norwegian SafariThis CD has excellent liner notes written by Hild Borchgrevink regarding all six composers and their compositions; therefore, they are included here and should be very valuable to other concert accordionists looking for interesting repertoire to add to their own programs. Several, if not all, of the compositions would also be extremely worthwhile to those young artists still actively competing in the many accordion competitions being held throughout the world today. Every single composition has much to recommend. They are both interesting and challenging from many viewpoints. Øivind Farmen plays beautifully. He shows all the attributes one expects of a serious classical performer today. He is a most sensitive player with excellent phrasing at all times; his use of expression and dynamics are always purposeful and interesting as well as suitable and helpful to the composition. There is never an instance of a vulgar or strained reed, as sometimes happens in the low reeds of the accordion. There is a great sensitivity and an attentive, caring blend and balance of both accordion and violin in the Bjørklund piece. I have never heard this particular piece performed with piano and violin, as originally composed, but I would venture to say it sounds even more beautiful with the accordion and violin! Elise Båtnes is the outstanding violinist in this piece. Anyone who is building a serious collection of recordings should include this one by Øivind Farmen. I most certainly recommend it very highly as a concert of exceptional Norwegian compositions for the accordion; they are performed exceedingly well by the Norwegian artist, Øivind Farmen. Norwegian Safari is produced by Øivind Farmen; mastering is by Morten Lund. Reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers – May 2011
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