Polaris

Since its inception in 2016, the Duo Kiasma has shared a common delight: to surprise audiences through the unexpected pairing of the cello and the accordion. Indeed, what could be more unusual than the combination of the ‘little prince’ of classical music with the accordion – the quintessential folk instrument, steeped in the memories, celebrations and melancholy of entire peoples?

Unusual, certainly. Ridiculous? Certainly not. Rostropovich himself claimed that the bayan (the Russian accordion) was a better match for the cello than the piano. Who are we to contradict the great Soviet maestro? Actually, these two instruments share the essentials: bow and bellows — both breathe and sing, capable of both strength and fragility.

After several years spent transcribing works by Bartók and Gluck, as well as Daft Punk and Ennio Morricone, the Duo Kiasma has gradually refocused its exploration on a repertoire that has emerged almost naturally: Baroque music. POLARIS thus marks a decisive milestone in the Duo’s journey. Like the star from which it takes its name, this album serves as a landmark in a constantly expanding aesthetic universe, revolving around three leading Baroque composers: Rameau, Bach and Vivaldi.