The album's core concept, 'Between the new and the familiar,' explores the accordion's dual nature as both a traditional folk instrument and a versatile tool for experimental electronic music.
Interpretation
Germano Scurti's approach to the Bach pieces on this album involves softening the sound's attack and emphasizing the lyrical and cantabile character, rather than a harsh or percussive interpretation.
Album & Artwork
The album's visual concept and photos, titled 'Un oceano di silenzio' ('Ocean of Silence'), were created by artist Emanuela Barbi and draw inspiration from the musical project itself.
Instruments
The bajan, a Russian-origin accordion with button-operated manuals, has become particularly favored by composers for its technical and expressive possibilities.
Interpretation
For the Bartók pieces, Germano Scurti aimed for an 'evanescence' by using higher octaves and extreme pianissimo dynamics, rather than focusing on the immediate folk and dance rhythms.
Instruments
The accordion, despite its association with popular music and being called a 'poor man's piano' in the 20th century, has gained new dignity and interest from composers due to its timbral duality and polyphonic resources.
Recording & Production
This album is the result of a project by Germano Scurti, who commissioned four composers to create works for bajan and electronics, which were previously performed at the MA/IN festival.
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