Video: “Requiem”:Mozart – a Reality written and performed on Accordion by Dr. William Schimmel

Dr. William Schimmel, known for his numerous collaborations with his wife, Micki Goodman, has written and performed his own version (Reality) on “Mozart’s Requiem”. The “Requiem” is “Mozart’s” last work and considered to be one of the greatest pieces in western music. Many books, writings and a movie depict the circumstances on how the work came to be.

It is not a literal arrangement. Instead it contains new elements such as implied tango, balkan and other forms of ethnic music within a Classical Western format. The work is 14 and 1/2 minutes long (the original is one hour) and is played entirely as a solo. As Schimmel states, “The purpose here was to create the feeling of a chorus and orchestra on one accordion rather than regarding it as an organ”.

The videography and filming is by Micki Goodman.The filming of Dr. Schimmel’s performance is by Benjamin Niemczyk and the editing is by Godfrey Nelson.

For more information: accordionbill@gmail.com