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Concert Review: submitted by Francesco Palazzo

Concert: Integral Execution of "Die Kunst der Fuge BWV 1080" of J.S. Bach
Place: Vallisa Church - Bari, Italy
Date: 18th and 19th May, 2004
Accordionist: Salvatore di Gesualdo

The concert artist of classical accordion, Italian Salvatore di Gesualdo has executed the integral of "Die Kunst der Fuge BWV 1080" by Johann Sebastian Bach in Bari, Italy, on the 18th and 19th May in the Vallisa Church. This performance was particularly important for various reasons. It was the first integral execution on one accordion of this magnificent work of the German Master, especially so, as Master Salvatore di Gesualdo has for the past 20 years dedicated studies to this work as well as arrangements for accordion. We remember it was formed of 19 parts, between "Counterpoints of 4 and 3 parts" and "Canons of two voices".

It also includes the "last Fuga" in three voices left uncompleted by Bach just as to the principle of the third exposure with the entrance of the Subject B-A-C-H just like being signed by the master. Bach died before finishing to this "Fuga".

There are only a few performers in the world who have integrally executed "Die Kunst der Fuge BWV 1080" because of the technical difficulties constituted by the "counterpoint of Bach" and the instrumental adaption. This work, in fact, does not give any approximate indication of instrumental destination for which it has been written, and this has given the possibility to elaborate multiple versions: from the organ to the cembalo, from quartet or string orchestras to the accordion and "sintesed" antique key instrument by the critical ideology of Salvatore di Gesualdo.

Therefore, for many reasons, a real historical moment for the accordion was brought to the attention of the public and the critics in an absolutely classified plan by one of the great interpreters of the world. This event was organized by Prof. Francesco Palazzo "storical" student of Salvatore di Gesualdo and accordion lecturer at the Conservatory "N. Piccinni" in Bari during the the artistic and cultural program of the institute.


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