“WING SPAN” – Contemporary Danish Accordion Music & Classical Works |
Here is a double CD by the Danish accordionist Adam Ørvad, surely one of the most talented members of the new generation of 'classical' accordionists.
In the first CD, Ørvad offers us six compositions (three of them written for the accordion) - and as is the case for many contemporary composers - these are all "premiere recordings"! As written accurately in the CD booklet, the idea was to create a sort of musical fresco faceted and varied ...
The CD boasts a Sonata No.2 - "Burlesque" op.179a (1989) by V. Holmboe - partly anchored in certain traditions "neo-classical" - the sensitive Couronne (2005) by M. Christensen, about the large - and at times intense "barbaric" - Yemaya (2008) by L. Aguirre (Cuban origin) to the "archaic", but also lyrical and polyphonic song (1977-78) of M. Abrahansen, the remarkable Wing Span (1997), literally "Wingspan", by H. Ørvad - which gives its title to the entire two CD album pack which alludes to the movement of the bellows and potential of the instrument - the diverse and, in some ways, fascinating Epreuve (1993) by E. Hojagaard, from which we can see that contemporary literature for accordion in Northern Europe - and in particular in Denmark - certainly enjoys good health!
The second CD differently presents important works of the "classic" style - from the repertoire for harpsichord, organ and piano - transcribed by Ørvad with great intensity and passion.
Listening to selected songs - of J.S. Bach (Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue BWV 903 and French Overture, BWV 831), C. Franck (Prélude, Fugue et Variation op.18 and op.19 Pastoral) and S. Prokofiev (Toccata Op.11) - it can be said that the project, conceived and pursued by Orvad, namely: "to re-interpret the works for accordion and not just play the works as if it were a re-run on the original instrument", and in this aim, Ørvad has clearly succeeded. Listening to the impeccable interpretations, there is no "regret" in any way about these versions "original", which in fact can be better appreciated, being placed "in a new light."
Concludendo, abbiamo ascoltato un “grande” (in tutti i sensi) lavoro discografico e interpretativo, che copre 3-4 secoli di musica d’arte, offertoci da un musicista-fisarmonicista “da tenere d’occhio”; penso proprio che sentiremo ancora parlare di lui!
In conclusion, we heard a "big" (in all senses) interpretative two CD pack, covering 3-4 centuries of art / music, offered to us by a musician-accordionist "to watch" closely for the future. I think that we will be hearing and talking a lot more about this superb musician in the future!
Reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz – 18th February 2013.
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