Zolotaryov Chamber Suite

[saundersbp]

I appreciate there's isn't often huge interest in classical accordion music on the forum, especially music written for the accordion rather than arrangements and transcriptions. Netherthless I thought it'd be nice to share with a few what I have found to be one of the most moving original major pieces for the accordion where the instrument can do what no other can. Recorded with every expense spared on my mobile phone!

Chamber Suite
Vladislav Zolotaryov, Russia 1942-1975

i) Evening Prelude
The evening shades have yet to sink,
But moonlight’s shining in the lake.
The heart, the soul – and everything
Feels superstitious and opaque.

ii) Moonlight streams through the windows
Moonlight streams through the windows,
Like a silvery river,
Stars shine in the clear sky,
Above the darkening river.

iii) Snowfall at night
In the night snow whirls over the earth
Transparent light is streaming through the windows
And white stars, circling and tinkling
Sing sad songs for me….

iv) Mysterious visions
Open the door – There is twinkling,
And through a narrow window – Vision
I don’t know – and I will not hide ignorance
But I will sleep – and dreams will flow.

v) Sorrowful dreams
Around the deep gloom. I’m crying
I called my family dreams…

vi) An old fairytale
I know not if there is a reason
Why i am so sad at heart
A legend of bygone ages
Haunts me and will not depart.

 

[yanco]

I listened attentively, the great sounds of a small instrument in a space with powerful acoustics, thank you

 

[Walker]

Thanks for sharing this music @saundersbp, it's marvellous, perhaps even the best 'I did that' I've heard yet. You get right to the core of what matters... wonderfully selected material played with expressiveness and musicality. You weave a story with engaging, poetic style and at the heart of it all is simplicity, balance, good taste - no desire to 'impress' - only to unearth the virtues of our instrument, the accordion. There is a lot to be learned from our saundersbp!
​

 

[Tom]

Wow, that was very different. Thanks Ben! Beautiful music beautifully played.

 

[saundersbp]

I listened attentively, the great sounds of a small instrument in a space with powerful acoustics, thank you

Thanks for sharing this music @saundersbp, it's marvellous, perhaps even the best 'I did that' I've heard yet

Wow, that was very different. Thanks Ben! Beautiful music beautifully played.

Thank you all very much - it's given me a real sense of purpose since I first started on the accordion properly during the pandemic. I've just played it live in the Leeds International Organ Festival along with some Satie, Bach and Glass. That's one concert I'm relieved is over - playing the organ is a doddle compared to the accordion!

 

[losthobos]

Now and again I get validation as to the reason I haven't ditched this forum for ineptitude and the safety of solitude
Thank you Ben...... subliminally appreciated

 

[GeorgeH76]

I appreciate there's isn't often huge interest in classical accordion music on the forum, especially music written for the accordion rather than arrangements and transcriptions. Netherthless I thought it'd be nice to share with a few what I have found to be one of the most moving original major pieces for the accordion where the instrument can do what no other can. Recorded with every expense spared on my mobile phone!

Chamber Suite
Vladislav Zolotaryov, Russia 1942-1975

i) Evening Prelude
The evening shades have yet to sink,
But moonlight’s shining in the lake.
The heart, the soul – and everything
Feels superstitious and opaque.

ii) Moonlight streams through the windows
Moonlight streams through the windows,
Like a silvery river,
Stars shine in the clear sky,
Above the darkening river.

iii) Snowfall at night
In the night snow whirls over the earth
Transparent light is streaming through the windows
And white stars, circling and tinkling
Sing sad songs for me….

iv) Mysterious visions
Open the door – There is twinkling,
And through a narrow window – Vision
I don’t know – and I will not hide ignorance
But I will sleep – and dreams will flow.

v) Sorrowful dreams
Around the deep gloom. I’m crying
I called my family dreams…

vi) An old fairytale
I know not if there is a reason
Why i am so sad at heart
A legend of bygone ages
Haunts me and will not depart.

Very nicely done! I like the sound of an accordion .. piano...button box...concertina. A very flexible instrument. I don't know why we don't see it in any? philharmonic orchestras. The accordion emerged in the early 19th century, much later than the instruments that make up a typical classical orchestra. It is more strongly associated with folk music, polka, and other genres, which may have limited its inclusion in classical music circles. I admit my knowledge is limited in this area ... but, the Boston Pops Orchestra does not have a designated accordionist as part of its standard orchestra instrumentation.

 

[Dingo40]

I don't know why we don't see it in any? philharmonic orchestras

In a word: snobbery !

 

[Ffingers]

In a word: snobbery !

That, and the comfort of living in a familiar world.

This lovely lady gives a indication on how such things can change if there is the desire.

 

[PhiliGol]

Ksenja is a class of its own

 

[Jim2010]

I don't know why we don't see it in any? philharmonic orchestras.

You are correct that accordion soloists are not often seen with orchestras. But Julien Labro regularly performs as a soloist with orchestras around the United States on accordion, bandoneon, and accordina, often performing music he has composed. So there is hope for the future.

Edit:
He also tours around the country as a soloist with the Maria Schneider (Jazz) Orchestra.

 

[Jim2010]

Back on topic...

Thank you @saundersbp for this wonderful music and performance.

 

[JerryPH]

You are correct that accordion soloists are not often seen with orchestras. But Julien Labro regularly performs as a soloist with orchestras around the United States on accordion, bandoneon, and accordina, often performing music he has composed. So there is hope for the future.

Hmmm... not really. Accordions will NEVER EVER be accepted as (let's call it) symphony orchestral instruments.

While an accordion wielded by a good performer can make any traditional symphonic instrument sound weak, that is exactly what they fear and there is an extreme prejudice against it in the orchestral world.

You will see many accordionists FEATURED as soloists, but never will they be accepted as musical equals represented as a full-time position on a "traditional orchestra".

Very sad, but true.

@saundersbp ... outstanding!!

 

[saundersbp]

Back on topic...

Thank you @saundersbp for this wonderful music and performance.

@saundersbp ... outstanding!!

Thanks both for the compliment and getting back on topic too!

 

[Jim2010]

If anyone hasn't listened to @saundersbp's YouTube channel I encourage you to do it. Great, great music there.