CD
“CONCERTO”
The same music, even when the score is correctly read according to universally accepted rules, often reveals itself superior to an acceptably academic standard. Proof of this is to be heard in this new, long recording by Willi Burger for chromatic harmonica and piano.
It opens with the Three Romances by Schumann in which the oboe is replaced by an exemplary performance that in no way diminishes the romantic lyricism expressed by the composer. To follow, the poignant melody, Nigun, by Ernest Bloch, Kol Nidrei by Max Bruch, and the theme from Schindler’s List by John Williams. The famous Méditation op. 42 n. 1 by Tchaikovsky precedes the Toledo by James Moody (arrangement by M. Parolini). Gershwin’s celebrated Summertime (arranged by A. Varaldo), and Preludio n. 2, are re-interpreted in a more classical way.
The Burger-Parolini Duo delights us with their
arrangement of Invierno Porteño by Astor Piazzolla, followed by the Milonga
in D. An overwhelming
performance of the Sabre Dance by Khačaturian brings us to the
finale of this CD. How well Burger captures the composer’s soul
in every piece of this excellent performance!
THE
FUTURE OF THE CHROMATIC HARMONICA – WILLI BURGER’S ROLE
An
artistic biography on Willi Burger would be boundless. He has been a myth since
the mid-fifties. Well-known all over the world for
the quality of his performance and teaching skills, he has brought the
chromatic harmonica to the apex of its expression, overcoming many difficulties
on the way, an accomplishment that is based on deep-rooted study and
unquestionable musicianship. His virtuosity does not confine itself to a fast
“technical” reproduction of the
notes on the pentagram, but dignifies his talent in the respect displayed for
the quality of the music. Without this one might just as well make use of
computer science and be content with a flat, even if correct so-called
“midi”. A mere linking together of notes is not enough, however, to bring
out their soul and create the atmosphere they hold within.
Very few harmonicas bear the name of their
performers. This honour was rightly reserved to the Milanese, Willi Burger, for
his “Amadeus”, one of
Hohner’s best designs.
Burger
is a complete and refined artist. His great ambition has been to show the world
of classical music, with its well established brass, wind and string sections,
the worth of this little instrument. The mastery of his interpretation has
managed not only to enchant but also to teach, and not only those who have
attended his Master classes in
various parts of the world.
He
has been accompanied by entire orchestras, chamber ensembles, classical
guitarists and various pianists. On this CD he is brilliantly accompanied by the
Italian pianist, Marcello Parolini, whose arrangement can only deserve equal
merit.
Composers
of great talent have dedicated entire pieces of music to him, inspired by the
emotions that pervade their works when performed by Willi Burger. by
Antonio Piana