Tania Lukic-Marx now gives the CD reviews a rating
system. This system includes a number of stars at the completion
of the review, for example 5 stars (*****) means the CD was "brilliant"
or "excellent", 4 stars = impressive, 3 stars = good,
2 stars = satisfactory and 1 star = didn't impress.
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Appassionata 2 |
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Bruno Maurice |
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Bruno Maurice |
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January 17th 2003 |
![](graphics/cd_review/tracks_text.jpg) |
1. Un matin dans la Forget - Igor Shamo
2. Largo - G.F. Handel
3. Moment Musical - F. Schubert
4. Aria en Re - J.S. Bach
5. Fantasie en re mineur - W.A. Mozart
6. Le Cygne - C. Saint-Sains
7. Danse des Mirlitons - P.I. Tschaikovsky
8. Danse du Feu - M. de Falla
9. Orientale - E. Granados
10. Don Rhapsodie - V.
Semionov
11. Bleu - B. Maurice
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"Appassionata 2" by French accordionist Bruno Maurice follows
his first recording "Appassionata 1" reviewed on June
16th 2000 which contains all Bruno's biographical information. Bruno
wrote to me: "I am happy to present to you my new CD "Appassionata
2", with a new program of transcriptions, original music and personal
compositions
.."
Whenever I hear Bruno's instrument, a unique bayan in the world, constructed
and hand made by the late Russian accordion builder Vassilij Kolchin, it
totally fascinates me. Ingenuous construction, indescribable beauty of its
tone, its warmth, color, response, it's 'singing' quality (due to double
piccolo reeds in the treble) - it is an experience that has to be heard
in person.
Bruno is fortunate to now own the instrument that for many years belonged
to Ukrainian accordionist, Professor and artist, and recent recipient of
the CIA Merit Award, Vladimir
Besfamilnov. During my studies is Kiev, I used to hear Professor Besfamilnov
perform on that accordion in concert and in private.
For this second recording, Bruno selected pieces originally written for
the accordion as well as transcriptions. I particularly liked the transcriptions
he performs, firstly because they were done well - nothing worse than poor
transcriptions where accordionists try to stick to the original at any cost
not keeping in mind that they perform on a different instrument and not
taking advantage of its differences. Thematically, Bruno's program for this
recording are miniatures of different epochs but of the same romantic nature.
He performs them using wide phrasing, building smooth, long breaths which
gives his performance profound depth. Bruno gets into the character of the
pieces masterly, bringing it to the listener with good taste, refinement
and delicacy.
A delightful performance. **** |