Review

Acclarion’s latest release showcases the phenomenal musicianship of clarinetist Rebecca Carovillano and accordionist David Carovillano. Partners both in life and in this 12-year duo project, they perform here with passion, elegance, wit and stylistic acuity.

Five tracks are composed by David Carovillano. It is always a joy and an ear-opening experience to hear a composer play his own works. Rooted in romantic and post-romantic soundscapes with touches of jazz flavours, the serene virtuosic opening and challenging fluid lines of Twilight of Shadows and driving momentum of the aptly titled Frenzy, especially showcase Acclarion’s tight ensemble awareness of balance, breath and colour, and the composer’s thorough knowledge of both instruments.

Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet for Two is a gorgeous performance by two exceptional classical players as the accordion proves itself to be a perfect instrument to join the clarinet in this transcription. Likewise the three short Vaughan-Williams English Folk Song tracks are welcome, soothing delights both in arrangement and the colourful lush sonic qualities.

Rebecca Carovillano is a star clarinet performer with solid breath control, superb varied tone and an unmatched musical ear sensitive to nuance. David Carovillano plays the accordion with the same qualities, and solid bellows control and technical mastery. Together they create detailed and interesting musical conversations. More varied dynamics and a bit more spontaneity would drive the duo toward a welcome future musical journey that will hopefully continue for many years to come!