Mie Miki, born in Tokyo, began studying accordion at age four and became the first accordionist to receive the Förderpreis des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen for young artists in 1990.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The accordion possesses two inherent characteristics, 'virtuosity' and 'lyricism', which the performer Mie Miki considers its 'genes' and central to the Romantic period.
Compositional Technique
The modern concert accordion, also known as the classical accordion, has a range almost as great as a grand piano and can play keyboard literature in its original form.
Historical Context
The 'accordion' was patented in Vienna in 1829, marking the beginning of its development from a fledgling instrument.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in the nearly 700-year-old Länna Church in Sweden, chosen for its isolated, tranquil setting and wonderful atmosphere.
Cultural Impact
The accordion rapidly assimilated into new cultures, adopting local folk music as its own, leading to variations like the Russian 'bayan' and Argentinian 'bandoneón'.
Interpretation
Mie Miki, the performer, prefers to play Grieg's Lyric Pieces on the accordion because it allows her to embody the characters and narratives within the music.
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