Alessandro Gaudio & Salvatore Pace – Passione Meridionale (Visage Music SAS, 2023)
Salvatore Pace and Alessandro Gaudio are two young diatonic accordion players from the southern regions of Italy, an area known for its rich traditional music and dances heritage. They have collaborated on a new project titled Passione Meridionale, featuring 100% original compositions under the artistic guidance of Maestro Riccardo Tesi, a renowned Italian diatonic accordionist of international acclaim. Tesi meticulously developed the musical arrangements for the project.
The duo’s engaging and finally crafted music is inspired by the folk traditions of Basilicata, Campania, and Calabria, as well as Argentine tango and complex rhythmic patterns, allowing for a diverse and imaginative range of musical expressions.
The diatonic accordion, with its roots in popular culture, proves to be the perfect instrument for their music, as it has evolved in recent years to encompass a wide array of influences, resulting in unique and captivating sounds.
Salvatore Pace and Alessandro Gaudio’s compositions are the result of a thorough exploration of traditional folk music and the incorporation of elements from various musical genres. Their expert use of diatonic accordions creates harmonious melodies and intricate rhythmic interplay, forming the heart of their artistic expression.
Salvatore Pace
Salvatore Pace, a native of Potenza, embarked on his musical journey with the diatonic accordion at the tender age of nine. From 2007 onwards, he presented his remarkable talent in various Italian Championships and Festivals, including Massafra (TA), Sapri (SA), San Benedetto del Tronto (AP), Tornimparte (AQ), and Offida (AP).
In July 2015, at the 19th Italian Accordion Championship held in Isola del Gran Sasso (TE), he achieved the highest honor, securing the title of Senior Italian Champion. In that same year, in August, he participated in the 20th World Organ Championship and once again emerged as the Senior World Champion.
The following year, in 2016, he clinched victory at the 41st PIF (International Accordion Award) in Castelfidardo. Beyond his impressive performance career, Salvatore is an accomplished composer and event organizer. He is dedicated to full-time teaching, and many of his students have earned prestigious accolades in national and international competitions.
Salvatore is a prominent figure in various national and international events aimed at revitalizing and spreading the culture of the diatonic accordion. He continuously hones his skills through advanced training programs and masterclasses.
Salvatore’s musical training culminated in a degree in traditional music from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Catanzaro, under the guidance of Riccardo Tesi, one of the finest accordionists in Italy.
Alessandro Gaudio
Alessandro Gaudio, a young and talented musician, composer, and concert performer from southern Italy, achieved remarkable success in international accordion competitions when he was just 16, exhibiting his exceptional skill with the diatonic accordion.
With an impressive list of accolades, including the Leucosia Prize and the title of World Ambassador of Cilento, Alessandro has taken his talents to the international stage, enchanting audiences in Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Belarus, France, Belgium, Poland, Morocco, Tunisia, Russia, Mexico, Canada, and many more countries.
Alessandro also completed a degree in traditional music from the Tchaikowsky Conservatory in Catanzaro, under the expert mentorship of Riccardo Tesi.
Musicians: Alessandro Gaudio on diatonic accordion; and Salvatore Pace on diatonic accordion.
Guests: Roberto Chiga on percussion; and Francesco Savoretti on cajón, tambourine.
Buy Passione Meridionale.
Author: Douglas Sanders
