By D Moore
American Record Guide
08-Dec-2008
Anders Koppel (b 1947) is the middle generation of a famous Danish musical family. His father is Herman Koppel, an outstanding composer, while his son is a prominent saxophonist for whom Anders has written several works including the second concerto here. There is another Dacapo disc containing three more saxophone works played by Benjamin.
Anders Koppel’s musical style is an unusual blend of popular and classical sounds. The concerto for violin and accordion starts out as if it were a tango by Astor Piazzolla, and in its course it covers a number of idioms. The soloists are invited to improvise on their material, and there are numerous references to jazz styles. But despite its popular references, this music holds up very well and is most enjoyable and well integrated between classical and popular idioms. I am glad to hear a composer who can make this kind of blend work. In the case of Ellington and Gershwin, they began in the popular style and grew into classical expression. Koppel seems to be doing it the other way around and has a great variety of idioms at his disposal. More power to him!
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