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Audio Samples
Album Summary
Performer
Bjarke Mogensen (Accordion)
Notes & Reviews:
Danish Bjarke Mogensen is the new star of the accordion in a country where there are already proud accordion traditions. He is simply one of those rare talents who seems to have been born with his instrument, yet continues to aspire further and higher. On this CD Bjarke is accompanied by the Danish National Chamber Orchestra conducted by Rolf Gupta in new Danish accordion concertos by Per Nørgård, Ole Schmidt, Anders Koppel and Martin Lohse - the last two written specifically for the young soloist. "Bjarke Mogensen is an astonishment on record. Once heard, never forgotten"(The Arts Journal, New York)
Notes & Reviews:Recording information: Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Denmark (04/12/2011-04/15/2011).
Reviews
Fresh sounds for a folk instrument
Ole Schmidt's Symphonic Fantasy and Allegro starts off the program. It's a fairly traditional-sounding work, with the soloist and ensemble having clearly defined roles. Rich harmonies support the fluid melodies, which make this work an appealing one to listen to. Although most of the solo work on this recording is single line, Schmidt writes some interesting counterpoint into the cadenzas.
Anders Koppel composed the Concerto Piccolo for Mogensen, and the concerto shows the artist’s ability to best advantage. The work is an angular neo-classical composition that’s well suited to the tonal qualities of the accordion. In my opinion, it's the strongest work on the album.
In Liquid, another commission by Mogensen, is radically different. Martin Lohse's work is almost a study in slow motion. Lohse draws out every single note both from the ensemble and the soloist. The sensation is similar to trying to run underwater. And the enforced slowness of the composition makes the listener pay closer attention to the music as it passes by. An effective work, and one that completely removes the accordion from its popular roots.
As its name suggests, Recall by Per Norgard, harkens back to the roots of the instrument. While at times it threatens to devolve into sea chanty, at heart it’s a carefully composed showpiece full of energy and good spirits.
These are fresh, exciting works that succeed both presenting the accordion in a new way and being an enjoyable listening experience. Whether you’re after fresh sounds, virtuoso performances, or just plain good music-making, this recording fills the bill.
Submitted on 05/24/12 by Ralph
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Works Details
Schmidt, Ole : Symphonic Fantasy & Allegro, for accordion & orchestra, Op. 20 - Performer: Bjarke Mogensen (Accordion)
- Conductor: Rolf Gupta
- Ensemble: Danish National Chamber Orchestra
- Notes: Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Denmark (04/12/2011-04/15/2011)
- Running Time: 14 min. 18 sec.
- Period Time: Modern
- Written: 1958
Koppel, Anders : Concerto Piccolo, for accordion & orchestra - Performer: Bjarke Mogensen (Accordion)
- Conductor: Rolf Gupta
- Notes: Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Denmark (04/12/2011-04/15/2011)
- Running Time: 16 min. 30 sec.
- Period Time: Contemporary
- Form: Concerto
- Written: 2009
Lohse, Martin : In Liquid, for accordion & orchestra - Performer: Bjarke Mogensen (Accordion)
- Conductor: Rolf Gupta
- Notes: Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Denmark (04/12/2011-04/15/2011)
- Running Time: 15 min. 1 sec.
- Period Time: Contemporary
- Form: Concerto
- Written: 2008-2010
Per Norgård (1932 - ) : Recall, for accordion & orchestra - Performer: Bjarke Mogensen (Accordion)
- Conductor: Rolf Gupta
- Notes: Koncerthuset, Studio 2, Denmark (04/12/2011-04/15/2011)
- Running Time: 10 min. 6 sec.
- Period Time: Contemporary
- Written: 1968
