 
by Friedrich Lips FACHWERK (Sofia Gubaidulina) KAPOTE (Giya Kancheli) It takes just a few minutes more than one hour to hear the above two pieces performed by Friedrich Lips with, in the first instance the Fachwerk (2009) by Sofia Gubaidulina with the Symphony orchestra of the Russian Gnesin Music Academy, Alexander Solovyov, conductor, and in the second instance the Kapote 2006) by Giya Kancheli with the Orpheus radio Symphonic Orchestra, Sergei Kondrashev, conductor. This will be one of the most-well-spent hours a listener can imagine! The two compositions compliment each other perfectly and will demand a listener’s attention. The name of Sofia Gubaidulina has become extremely well-known among most all serious musicians, composers, and orchestra conductors throughout the world but, while the name Giya Kancheli may or may not have the same easy recognition, he is also held in great respect within the same circles. Both composers have had well-deserved great success and, due once again to the musical efforts of the Russian bayanist Friedrich Lips, the bayan/accordion world now has a recording of repertoire representing the very finest quality and equal to any serious recordings available today. These two pieces are outstanding compositions and are presented on this CD by spectacular performances by the two orchestras involved and most especially by the soloist, Friedrich Lips, of course. The German word “Fachwerk” means “framework” and comes from the architectural style of the same name. “Kapote” means “once, ages ago” in translation from the Greek. Friedrich Lips has written a concise and informative explanation of the titles and construction of the two compositions. It includes the reference that Sofia Gubaidulina, (who has composed several major pieces previously given significant performances by Lips), “… in this work, Sofia Gubaidulina, following the laws of this architectural style, quasi rotates the instrument from inside to out and shows maximum of possibilities based on the particular construction of the accordion: both a new understanding of the roll of the standard bass manual and its connection to the melody bass manual, as well as a variety of tone-glissandi, including polyphonic… this whole constructive framework, due to the ingenuity and imagination of the composer, develops into a colorful emotional image and has a strong effect on the listener.” Fachwerk has been described as “an unusual and invigorating work by the remarkable Sofia Gubaidulina…” Indeed it is! It requires a masterful demonstration of every range and color within the instrument. Soloist Friedrich Lips plays with his usual attention to every possible detail; the precision and depth of every individual note within the large chords at every dynamic level is particularly appreciated as well as that shown during lengthy bellows shakes, musical bending of pitches and even especially beautiful vibrato in certain phrases! The recording and mastering techniques required for such brilliant musical performances as presented on this CD are met with great success regarding both Fachwerk (with Bayan, Percussion and String Orchestra) and Kapote (with Bayan, Percussion, Bass Guitar and String Orchestra). All recording musicians should be as lucky; to have such careful attention given to balance and sound is appreciated. Kapote is indeed beautiful…even ethereal…from beginning to end. The huge chords heard in Fachwerk are no longer relevant to this piece; instead we hear, as described by Lips, “An original minimalism and the finest sound painting literally dazzle the listener with their magical beauty. Imaginative contours, once (“Kapote”) solidified in crystal-clear beauty, slowly encase our ears. Our consciousness hears formerly heard melodies and tango rhythms, a tarantella, an illusion to the sound of the barrel organ, the Caucasian Harmonica.” Lips says Giya Kancheli is sometimes called “Maestro of silence.” It is readily understood why after listening to Kapote. In concluding his notes on the CD, Friedrich Lips includes the following words of Pope Benedict XVI, “Music has three sources: love, sorrow and encounter with God.” You will admire and enjoy this very fine CD. As with all of the recordings by Friedrich Lips, it is available from: MusicForAccordion.com: Friedrich Lips homepage Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif at Herbert@accordion-cd.co.at or www.accordion-cd.co.at I very much recommend FACHWERK/KAPOTE. It is outstanding! Review by Joan C. Sommers January 2016 |
