Virtuoso Accordion <br> Mikko Luoma <BR> BRIDGE 9221

The 20th century produced a large classical repertoire for a number of previously under-used instruments, the accordion among them. This stellar disc presents the Finnish accordion virtuoso, Mikko Luoma, in a group of pieces that demonstrate the fascinating expressive range of this often maligned instrument. Jukka Tiensuu holds a unique place among composers that have written for the accordion. Mikko Luoma writes that "he gave a well needed push for accordionists with his Aufschwung, and 25 years later with Zolo defined the accordion from a totally new perspective. The young Sampo Haapamäki's piece Power sets the accordion fearlessly into motion with its spinning sonorities. The Finn Magnus Lindberg studied in the early 80's with the French composer, Gérard Grisey. Both played the accordion in their youth. Grisey's early piece (given its premiere recording here) is very different from Lindberg's, which uses a spectral approach to harmony. Magnus Lindberg writes that "The exceptionally