Bach

Richard Galliano (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 29, 2010)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B0034JV5YO
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,766 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #17 in Music > Jazz > Orchestral Jazz

Editorial Reviews

French jazz accordionist Richard Galliano's records his first classical album ever!

His first album on Deutsche Grammophon is devoted to a composer with whom he has always felt close: "I began and continued my studies with Bach. I played a good many of the Preludes and Fugues from the Well-tempered Clavier, the Italian Concerto and many other works... But as far as recording is concerned, I didn't 'start' with Bach, it's true. For me, this disc represents the culmination of 45 years of 'all-terrain' musical experience."

For this album Richard Galliano has chosen works originally written for cello, oboe, violin, keyboard and flute, and arranged them for accordion with the accompaniment of five collaborators: violinists Jean-Marc Phillips and Sbastien Surel, the viola player Jean-Marc Apap, cellist Raphal Pidoux and the double-bassist Stphane Logerot.

Richard Galliano is an exceptionally versatile musician, whose many artistic collaborations and encounters include playing with Enrico Rava, Charlie Haden, Michel Portal, Jan Garbarek, Martial Solal, Anouar Brahem and Paolo Fresu, to name just a few.

The 1997 album "Blow Up" which he recorded with Enrico Rava, Charlie Haden and Michel Portal sold more than 100,000 units. His most recent release "Love Day" got rave reviews: the Independent wrote: "recorded at Capitol Studios, these 'Los Angeles Sessions' with a band consisting of Gonzalo Rubalcaba on piano, Charlie Haden on bass and Mino Cinelu on drums represents accordionist Galliano's unqualified acceptance as one of the major jazz talents of our age. " (26 October 2008).

Richard Galliano: "Bach's music is universal. When I play it, I don't change a note, not a breath, not a rest...I play the text complete, without any adaptation."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There's more to the accordion than "Bella Notte;" Richard Galliano beautifully provides the proof., July 20, 2010

By 

Kathryn E. Etier "Miss Bob" (Beautiful Maggie Valley) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bach (Audio CD)

As a collector of quotes, I frequently come across one with which I don't agree, like "A gentleman is a fellow who can play the accordion but doesn't." If that weren't bad enough, Ambrose Bierce defined the accordion as "An instrument in harmony with the sentiments of an assassin." What's wrong with the accordion, I ask. Dating back to the early nineteenth century, this noble instrument has long supplied the melody for folk music from a variety of cultures. What's klazmer or a tarantella or a polka without an accordion?

Accordionists have been the subject of jokes and wisecracks, yet they are handling an extremely complex instrument that is suited to a wide variety of music, from folk to rock to classical. Those who master it can produce rich sound that does not require accompaniment. And, really, is there anything more romantic than having a strolling accordionist stopping by a candlelit table and playing "That's Amore"?

Those who disrespect the accordion turn their backs on an instrument that can score every mood from depression to elation. Deutsche Grammophon has recently released Richard Galliano - Bach, a collection of music that should put to rest any negative connotations associated with the accordion. Galliano, one of the foremost accordionists of our time, has practiced and performed Bach over the years, but this is the first time he has recorded the composer's works. Accompanied by a string quintet, Galliano's interpretations of familiar pieces such as Orchestral Suite no. 3 in D Major and Sonata for Flute and Harpsichord no. 2 in E flat major soar. Every piece performed is a gem unto itself.

Playing the accordion since the age of four and recipient of the Académie du Jazz's Django Reinhardt Prize ("French Musician of the Year," 1993), Galliano presents his audience with faithful renderings of the music as Bach wrote it. As in any great orchestral production, the music elevates the listener who is not hearing an accordion, but the works of a master played by a master.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Bach Masterpiece, August 14, 2010

By 

Kari (VA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Bach (Audio CD)

"Miss Bob's" first review is excellent. For sure I would have missed ever experiencing Richard Galliano had I not gone to his concert as an escape from late-night work on one of my work travels. The concert was a revelation. Mostly jazz. An unforgettable show. And now comes Galliano's Bach disc. It will probably not replace your favorite Bach records on the piano or violin but this disc is definitely in the mainstream, it is not a curiosity item. Superb, music-making at the highest level. Also demonstrates the versatility of Bach's music. So please consider this disc along with Vladimir Ashkenazy's new recording of the six keyboard partitas!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, August 16, 2010

By 

Sunfell "Sunfell" (United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Richard Galliano - Bach (MP3 Download)

I really enjoy Bach- in all its forms. My collection has everything from synthesized versions to wonderful pieces played on marimbas and percussion instruments. When I heard about this album on NPR, I had to give it a listen, and that led to my purchasing it.

It is a genuine sonic treat. It does invoke lazy summer days, or the music in a coffee house when played in the background, but it also stands up to my close listening scrutiny. The sound is brilliant, alive, and very present, full of wonderful overtones and small sounds that only a well-placed mic and judicious mixing can give. Galliano gives the familiar violin and cello parts a whole new iteration, with ornamentation that is full of jazzy flair, but not over the top.

This is one album you'll want to take with you when testing speaker systems, because it truly has a full spectrum of sound, and will quickly tell you if your system is up to snuff. Get it. You won't regret it.