Video 1: Michael Bridge – Bach: Gigue (French Suite No. 5 in G major BWV 816)
Accordionist Michael Bridge shares his thoughts on his latest album: “Do Bach and Leonard Cohen belong on the same album as contemporary tangos and Armenian folk songs? Overture is born from my passion for performing amazing music that shatters accordion stereotypes. Drawn from years of concerts, this unique cocktail reflects my passion for the multifaceted history and future of the accordion.
Makkonen’s “Tango-Toccata” takes me back to playing at the 2011 world championships in Shanghai, with its fiery opening and passionate exposé of the power of the free-bass accordion (where both hands have full range). Bach’s “French Suite no. 5” shows the accordion’s pure voice – balanced, refined and with pristine clarity of lines. The accordion grew popular partly because it could accompany itself, and in “Moon River”, I take this to the extreme, creating a complex harmonic fabric with the left hand, allowing the right hand total freedom to sing. A pair of Armenian selections follows; “Tzaghgatz Baleni” is mournful and beautiful, spinning layers of sounds into webs. Khatchaturian’s “Tokkata” was originally for piano, but I think it’s spectacular on accordion.
Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” can be played many different ways; here I elected for a more somber, sentimental interpretation. Except for “Tokkata” (Friedrich Lips), all these transcriptions are my own. Since I have enjoyed writing music for many years, I also wanted to include my composition, “Intoxicating”, inspired by my infatuation with the music of Piazzolla and infused with a dangerous playfulness.
For both “Misty” and the “1812 Overture”, I play digital accordion, which gives me the ability to play all the sounds you hear live in a single take. Its incomparable power as a synthesizer is both daunting and liberating, putting me into the role of an orchestral conductor who gets to decide ‘when’ and ‘how’ every part should be played – with the power of an orchestra at my fingertips. This album is just my ‘Overture’, so until next time, happy listening…
Excerpts from his website: Concert-accordionist Michael Bridge is a captivating young musician, redefining the sound and image of his traditional instrument. Named one of CBC’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30”, he is internationally renowned for his dynamic stage- presence and unique musical versatility. His repertoire – classical masterworks, baroque, jazz, world music, folk dances, contemporary classical, and digital accordion compositions – smashes all stereotypes concerning the limitations of his instrument. He made his solo orchestral debut with the Boston Pops at 17, and has performed on four continents, now playing over 100 concerts per year.
Michael was given his first accordion at age five, purchased at a garage sale for $5. Now studying accordion performance at the University of Toronto with Joseph Macerollo, he has won numerous prizes including the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta’s Emerging Artist Award, the U of T Concerto Competition, and the Calgary Stampede Talent Search. In 2013, he placed 2nd at the World Digital Accordion Championships. He has adjudicated accordion competitions and taught masterclasses across the USA and Canada.
Michael is a founding member of Double-Double Duo, having toured Ecuador, Poland, France and across Canada with his collaborator Dr. Kornel Wolak (clarinet). Their debut album launched in 2015, entitled ‘Rock Bach’. He performs in Ladom Ensemble, an acoustic Iranian-Serbian-classical-tango quartet.
An ardent supporter of new music, Michael has over thirty world premieres to his credit, including works by Anna Pigdorna, Airat Ichmouratov and Pouya Hamidi. As a composer, he wrote and recorded two folk albums and is the primary arranger for several of his chamber ensembles. He has gratefully received support for his academic work and touring from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council, The Sylva Gelber Music Foundation, the Government of Alberta and the University of Toronto.
For further information: michael@michaelbridgemusic.com
