This improvisation was inspired by listening to the great pipe organs built by Aristide Cavaille-Coll (1811-1899), one of the most visionary and influential figures in the history of music. Other influences include the music of Cesar Franck (1822-1890), Frederic Chopin (1810-1849), and Franz Liszt (1811-1886). Performed upon my vintage 1950's Iorio accordion, a 4/5 reed instrument in LMMH configuration.
The impressionistic character of this music reflects back upon a wilderness hiking trip I enjoyed many years ago in the State of Arizona. With some friends I traveled just north of Tortilla Flat and found a remarkable canyon which allowed a steep descent to the rocky floor below. We clambered down the angular incline and found a series of huge boulders amid the cool desert scenery. There were pools of stagnant water left behind after a recent spate of rain, and the canyon walls became orange reflections in the deep blue-green waters. A small stream fed manifold patches of brilliant green lichen and colorful moss. The air was clear and breathtaking as we looked up at the high canyon walls, perhaps as high as 400 to 500 feet. Everywhere we walked there echoed an immense and satisfying silence, except for the buzz of busy insects and curious flying birds. We came upon a perfectly flat rock in the middle of the canyon and stopped to have lunch and admire the beauty of this exotic place. When we had traversed the entire length of the canyon, we started to hike back up to the road, being careful not to disturb the cactus or other flowering plants. It was a breathtaking climb but a glorious sight to look down upon the entire length of wilderness we had just traveled through.
The impressionistic character of this music reflects back upon a wilderness hiking trip I enjoyed many years ago in the State of Arizona. With some friends I traveled just north of Tortilla Flat and found a remarkable canyon which allowed a steep descent to the rocky floor below. We clambered down the angular incline and found a series of huge boulders amid the cool desert scenery. There were pools of stagnant water left behind after a recent spate of rain, and the canyon walls became orange reflections in the deep blue-green waters. A small stream fed manifold patches of brilliant green lichen and colorful moss. The air was clear and breathtaking as we looked up at the high canyon walls, perhaps as high as 400 to 500 feet. Everywhere we walked there echoed an immense and satisfying silence, except for the buzz of busy insects and curious flying birds. We came upon a perfectly flat rock in the middle of the canyon and stopped to have lunch and admire the beauty of this exotic place. When we had traversed the entire length of the canyon, we started to hike back up to the road, being careful not to disturb the cactus or other flowering plants. It was a breathtaking climb but a glorious sight to look down upon the entire length of wilderness we had just traveled through.
This assortment of photographs gives a fairly representative selection of the views and scenery which can be seen at this location. The area is approximately 1.5 miles north of Tortilla Flat, on the east side of the road with minimal space for parking a vehicle. You can spend quite a long time in the canyon and surrounding territory, so it is best to start early on your hike, wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing, pack a good lunch or nutritious snack, bring plenty of water and travel with at least one experienced companion. The steep climb down the canyon provides a breathtaking view of the enormous size of this remarkable landscape. As you travel along the corridor of the canyon floor, you look up and see the incredible heights above glowing in shades of orange, tan, grey or pastel green. Sometimes the canyon looks like a blue and purple sunken temple of rocks and palatial boulders. Toward the southern end the views open up considerably and you can again appreciate the expansive panoramas afforded by an ambitious day-hike in Arizona. In musical terms, I am often reminded of "The Sunken Cathedral" by French composer Claude Debussy or even Joseph Jongen's "Symphonie Concertante" from 1926, a brilliant work for organ and orchestra. My own improvisation offers a more lyrical reflection upon this remarkable landscape, hence the title "Lyric Poem for Vintage Iorio Accordion." I hope to tour other geographical areas in Arizona to gain further artistic and musical perspectives from this rather fascinating State.
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