IAN COLLINS Assembly House, Norwich
IAN COLLINS
> Assembly House, Norwich
Cello and classical accordion are a novel mix for a festive recital - but there was no shock in the new here, only intense pleasure.
Cellist Ashok Klouda and accordionist Borut Zagoranski, friends and fellow students at the Royal Academy of Music, gelled extremely well in this nicely-chosen programme.
They opened with Bach's sonata for viola da gamba and cembalo, showing that music as sublime as this can be adapted for almost any instrument. Bet it would sound good on kazoo and comb.
Between darker works by Gubaidulina and Elena Firsova, and some sprightly Saint Saens, the best bits on this lunchtime menu came first and last. Piazzolla's Le Grand Tango - with superbly inventive rhythms and beguiling beat - made a fine finale.
Long associated for me with smoky central European cafés and gipsy bands, the accordion proves an instrument of great versatility - with a mood by turns merry and melancholy.
What a pity Radio 3 isn't recording any event at our 2005 festival. This is one I'd love to hear again (and again and again).
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