Pietro Frosini

Pietro Frosini was one of America's leading accordionist. He pioneered a style of playing, which has inspires accordionists the world over, even penetrating the Iron Curtain. I was shocked to see my Professor in Kiev had Russian records with Frosini compositions and arrangements have been standards in the accordion repertoire.

Frosini was revolutionary in his day, using the chromatic button accordion and developing it to greater heights, experimenting with bass runs and solos, as well as a dazzling right hand technique. He is accredited with having invented and developed the bellow shake. Many of his peers called him the Paganini of the accordion.

Frosini has earned his place in history, not only for developing accordion technique and status, but also for popularising the instrument, working the vaudeville circuit and his frequent radio appearances, He was a teacher, and he contributed to magazines, encouraging correct technique and playing.

From the grandeur and drama of his three Rhapsodies for accordion, his Symphonic March and Italian and Russian Fantasies, to the light-hearted, fun-loving novelty solos, such as Bubbles, Fancy Twisters and Accordion Jitters. His waltzes, polkas and South American pieces, whether tangos, such as Love Smiles, or the other Spanish influenced Boleros and Paso dobles, have become standards for budding accordionists, as well as professionals.

It has been a pleasure to learn these compositions - all are brilliant solos, which stand-alone. It has been a challenge to translate each piece to piano accordion, as they were originally written for chromatic button accordion.

Frosini used several different looking accordions throughout his career. One of these has a false piano keyboard to make the accordion look flashier. Guido Diero is said to have encouraged Frosini to change to the piano keyboard and his compromise was the false keyboard.

Surprisingly, most of his compositions fall well under the fingers of a piano keyboard. Frosini's compostions are great technical exercises, as well as having a great musical content.

The are a joy to play.