Markku Lepisto is one of the best-known proponents of new Finnish and Nordic accordion music. Now he is releasing the album 'European Soiree' with the Finnish harpsichordistpianist-organist Ilpo Laspas. The album consists of both original works for accordion and a collection of popular classical repertoire from the 19th century, played with the accordion. The history of this 'European Soiree' CD dates back to over ten years when Markku started to study the early history of Finnish 19th century accordion as a new postgraduate student at the Sibelius Academy of Uniarts Helsinki. By his going through thousands of newspaper clips, the previously unknown history of accordion in his country unfolded in its entirety.
Tracks:
1. Allegro Vivace (G. Greggiati, 1842)
2. Theme Varie Tres Brillant (L. Reisner, 1836)
3. Andante (G. Greggiati, 1842)
4. Britta Polka (H. C. Lumbye, 1864)
5. March from the Opera Lucia di Lammermoor (G. Donizetti, 1835)
6. Tema e Variazioni (G. Greggiati, 1840)
7. The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (G. F. Handel, 1749)
8. Minuet from the Opera Berenice (G. F. Handel, 1737)
9. Alla Hornpipe (G. F. Handel, 1717)
10. Fantasy from the Opera Martha (F. Flotow, 1847)
11. Hungarian Triumphal March (J. Gungl, 1849)
12. Casta Diva from the Opera Norma (V. Bellini, 1831)
