The Early Accordion Bellows of Giuseppe Greggiati |
Giuseppe Greggiati: priest, teacher (primary school teacher), bibliographer and collector of musical instruments, organist, historian, and also an accordionist-composer-teacher; is the ultimate creator of accordion music in Italy and not only!
Indeed towards 1839, this unique figure, erudite musician and "amateur", decided to devote himself to harmonica bellows, or accordion "bitonic" era, and in 1842 - after 3-4 years of preparation - wrote an appropriate method for the study of the instrument.
This is not just any method or manul, but a monumental work, consisting of three parts; of which, only the first two parts (theoretical part and practical exercises) consists of more than 450 pages.
The work remained in manuscript form, unpublished and unfortunately literally hidden - for about 170 years - in the library of Ostiglia (which now bears the name of the musician) in the province of Mantua.
It was not until recently, that the accordionist and teacher Corrado Rojac, the interpreter of this record, at the invitation of the librarian Elisa Superb, discovered with no small wonder, this amazing historical work from the nineteenth century. This document can be considered without a doubt, the most complete and articulated document, manual and compositions for the accordion, throughout the century XIX.
The CD, with a corresponding DVD attached, has just three weighty compositions taken from the third part of the valuable method Greggiati: "Cantabile" (in five sections), "Largo in C minor and major" and "Theme and Variations" (introduction, theme with eight variations and finale).
The style is typical of the first half of the 1800's, and there are in particular, matrices derived from the study of piano, for example the "Gradus" Clementi, references to opera music - especially Rossini and Bellini - and also to the salon music (Salonmusik ).
This is not so surprising because the instrument at the time, as it was becoming more popular even among the lower classes, was used amongst the bourgeoisie of almost the entire European continent.
What makes the music further special and charming, is the recording project instrument used by Rojac: a faithful copy of the original instrument, used by the Greggiati, specially made by skilled craftsman, Adriano Clementi of Castelfidardo; that is, a particular model of accordion "bitonic", derived from the Viennese instruments and even then, made a perfect copy by the same craftsman.
So, in conclusion, a CD and DVD box that is of real historical value that should not be missing in the record collection of fans of free reed instruments - as well as general music lovers of classic / romantic period - and who, in general, are not satisfied with the usual and customary musical proposals.
Reviewed by Alessandro Mugnoz – May 2015
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