Accordion Piece, 2016

Composition: Boris Bezemer
Performers: Vincent van Amsterdam, Erica Roozendaal
Venue 1: Orgelpark – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Venue 2: Het HeM – Zaandam, The Netherlands
First photo: Amie Galbraith
Second photo and video: Simon Knighton

Commissioned by Grachtenfestival, Gaudeamus and November Music

In composing for the accordion, I am drawn to the instrument’s range of tone colors and the unique way it produces sound through bellows and reeds. This tempestuous quality gives the accordion the ability to abruptly shift between loud and very quiet. It inspired me to compose distinctly varied moods and characters and integrate them within one piece.

Accordion Piece was realised in the framework of Nieuwe Noten, an ongoing initiative by Grachtenfestival, Gaudeamus, and November Music. Through this project, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several exceptional musicians, including Vincent van Amsterdam.

Vincent performed this piece at Grachtenfestival, Gaudeamus, November Music and the house of Marlies Pernot. Erica Roozendaal performed it at the 12½th anniversary of Hard//hoofd in Het HEM in Zaandam.