Customer Reviews

Bach

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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.

"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!

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.