MUSICAL OFFERING
This new recording by Lena Rist-Larsen (Violin and Accordion) and Jorgen Sundeqvist (Accordion) provides a very happy listening experience! I am confident that everyone will enjoy listening to the 13 well-chosen selections which are both written originally for the duo or arranged from other sources. Every single selection is well-played, with care for all the musically important details for which we listen. The dynamics are interesting and balanced between the players and their instruments. In addition, the recording accurately captures all the wonderful sounds of both the accordion and the violin at both ends of the spectrum.
The repertoire is a compilation of some of the musical selections that Lena Rist-Larsen and Jörgen Sundeqvist have been performing together for the last five years or so. We are told the “pieces are those that were written or re-arranged directly for Lena and Jörgen, or that, in various ways, mean something special to them. The CD reflects the depth and warmth in their wide musical interest(s) and represents the very different musical languages that they constantly communicate with. This is Lena’s and Jorgen’s musical offering to us listeners.”
The 13 selections include 6 pieces performed on accordion and violin and 7 pieces on two accordions. Some are well-known throughout the world, others are perhaps new to most, but all are exciting to hear. The combination of the accordion with other instruments besides another accordion has been done many times, of course, but this CD proves once again how beautiful the violin and the accordion can be when played together! Both Lena and Jörgen have indeed provided a wonderful 60 minutes 12 seconds MUSICAL OFFERING for their listeners. We can hope for more in the future!
Maybe one of the most famous accordion solos heard throughout the world has been the Fancelli Acquarelli Cubani and on this CD, one of Jörgen’s mentors, Anthony Galla-Rini, has provided an intriguing new duo arrangement. The several duo arrangements by Jörgen are also very well-executed. (The Copland Hoe-Down really captures the initial meaning of that piece when played by the violin and accordion!) One must read the informative notes given about the music by the personal notes of Lena & Jörgen to appreciate even more the importance of each and every piece represented on this fine recording.
It is such a pleasure to say audiences can look forward to hearing this duo team perform, whether live or on a recording; therefore, I can only say if you want to hear a fine concert of interesting repertoire, then do buy this particular CD by Lena and Jörgen entitled MUSICAL OFFERING. It is excellent in every respect.
Reviewed by Joan Cochran Sommers ... February 28, 2012
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