For audiences attending Under the Canopy, James Crabb offers something relatively rare in contemporary classical music: an artist who has spent a lifetime expanding the possibilities of an instrument while remaining deeply connected to its traditions.
Widely recognised as one of the world’s leading classical accordionists, Crabb has built an international career that moves comfortably between classical repertoire, contemporary music and folk traditions. Yet when asked what makes the accordion such an expressive instrument, his answer is strikingly simple.
“The bellows,” he says. “The art of playing this instrument is the control and use of the airflow in the bellows, allowing the instrument to breathe and sing.”
That idea of breathing sits at the heart of Under the Canopy, a program that explores a remarkable breadth of musical languages and traditions. From the elegance of Rameau and CPE Bach to the energy of contemporary tango and the intimacy of Scottish folk music, the concert reveals both the versatility of the accordion and the possibilities that emerge when different musical worlds are brought into conversation.
Crabb’s relationship with Melbourne Chamber Orchestra has developed through a shared commitment to curiosity and collaboration. He speaks warmly of returning to work with Artistic Director Sophie Rowell and the musicians of MCO.
“The warm welcoming atmosphere, the humour and the passionate commitment of the musicians are all ingredients for extremely happy and exciting music-making,” he says. “It’s a playground for creativity.”
Collaboration is central to Crabb’s approach. In a chamber orchestra setting, where communication and trust become visible parts of the performance, he sees rehearsals as an opportunity for genuine exchange.
“It’s a collaborative process,” he says. “That’s really important to me, the sense of sharing the occasion with creative ideas and inspiration and energy.”
Working without a conductor places even greater emphasis on that relationship. “It’s essential to have a very good understanding with the leader, both in terms of a mutual musical understanding of each work and sensing how much interpretive spontaneity there might be in performance.”
One of the centrepieces of the program is Crabb’s own arrangement of CPE Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto in A major. Drawn to the work’s character and vitality, he saw an opportunity to reimagine it for his own instrument.
“I love the elegance and playfulness of CPE Bach’s music, which is always so enjoyable to play,” he says. “It’s impossible not to be smitten by the joy of this music.”
While versions of the concerto already existed for flute, cello and harpsichord, Crabb felt the accordion had its own contribution to make.
“I thought, why not one for the classical accordion? The style of the writing suits the classical accordion perfectly, in my humble opinion.”
The program also features Tomás Gubitsch’s In a tango state of mind, written for Crabb in 2011. Here, Bach’s poise gives way to something more restless and unpredictable.
“This concerto has a more contemporary Nuevo Tango feel,” he explains. “The composer is also a master of his chosen instrument, the electric guitar.”
Yet perhaps the most personal music in the concert comes from much closer to home. The Scottish traditional selections arranged by Crabb connect directly to his own upbringing and musical identity.
“This music stirs up so many happy memories of my childhood,” he says. “Growing up playing this music all over Scotland in cosy musical settings.”
For Crabb, these pieces are inseparable from memory and place. “The scenery, the weather and the culture bring an overwhelming sense of being a proud Scot that only grows stronger.”
What emerges through Under the Canopy is not simply a showcase for the accordion, but a reflection on the ways music carries culture, memory and identity across time. The styles may differ, but each work asks audiences to listen closely to the stories embedded within the music itself.
For those hearing Crabb perform with MCO for the first time, his invitation is characteristically direct.
“This generous musical offering will take the listener on an unforgettable emotional journey around the world. Don’t miss it.”
By Dr Samuel Cairnduff