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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The name and artistry of Vladimir
Besfamilnov is well known in the international accordion community.
Full information on his biography could be found on his site as well as
review of his previous recording dated November
30th 2001
Besfamilnov's career as an accordion concert artist and pedagogue has been
extremely fruitful and rich. His artistry in many ways impacted on the development
of the accordion in terms of its repertoire, use with another instruments,
orchestras, ensembles, etc. Besfamilnov always has been a great innovator,
ready to implement original, new and good, keeping up with the times, composing
and performing trends. This set of 12 CD's represents some of the archive
recordings made for Ukrainian National Radio throughout many years of Besfamilnov's
performing career, in particular from 1953-1989. Recordings represent different
stages of Besfamilnov's artistry: from the beginnings of his career and
performances on the stradella accordion, to performances with the Symphony
Orchestra, Chamber Ensembles, Pipe Organ, Piano, Solo, using the most advanced
free bass accordion.
This particular recording Volume 5 contains a variety of recordings - some
early ones as well as later ones, using solo accordion, and performing one
of his favorite genres - miniatures.
Listening to the set of the 12 Besfamilnov recordings is an extraordinary
musical journey. Early years are characterised by the passion while in later
years, the quality of extrovert wildness in his youthful interpretation
was replaced by a magical poetry and intense inner feeling.
Besfamilnov's interpretations are masterful. He plays with a gorgeous tone
and an open-hearted response to every phrase. Through particular attention
to the voicing, Besfamilnov has at his command, a rich palette of tone colour.
In the lyrical moments, particularly in the slow movements, he spins out
the sound with a spaciousness that makes you wait on every note with baited
breath. In this recording, one certainly hears music-making of the first
order, with Besfamilnov giving a full-blooded account of these well-loved
romantic pieces. It is a performance with deeply emotional and outgoing
spirit.
As he was my teacher, mentor and friend, I do not wish to grade this recording,
as I stand humble in front of his artistry. He remains for me a phenomenon
who stands out not only for the radiance of his playing, but for his personal
radiance as well.
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