Teddy
For accordion
2023
Duration
15 min
Instrumentation
acc
Commissioned by
Janne Valkeajoki
Premiered by
Janne Valkeajoki
24.7.2023
Ainola, Järvenpää, Finland
Notes
Teddy is a solo accordion piece that invites the listener on a slowly unfolding meditative journey exploring themes of comfort, tenderness and nostalgia.
The work is inspired by the teddy bear, symbolizing warmth, security, comfort and love. The thought of a teddy bear can also evoke feelings of nostalgia, transporting thoughts back to childhood and its innocence. The gentle teddy bear helps a child create their own safe dream world to immerse themselves in through imagination and play. On the other hand, the teddy bear serves as a reminder of the power of unconditional love and comfort during moments of longing or loneliness throughout different stages of life.
The comforting embrace of a teddy bear can also be seen more concretely in the soloist’s way of holding the accordion in their lap and arms and playing the instrument with embracing gestures and movements.
The work was commissioned by and is dedicated to Janne Valkeajoki.
The commission has been made possible by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation and Nuori Suomalainen Harmonikkaorkesteri ry.
“Teddy marks one of the finest entries to the solo accordion repertoire in recent years.“
– AIM
Listen
Teddy (2023) performed by Janne Valkeajoki
27.4.2024, Music Centre, Helsinki, Finland
Reviews
“Given in terrific premiere outing by accordionist Janne Valkeajoki, Hilli’s spellbinding Teddy is cast in single, fifteen-minute arch, with slowly unfolding, colorist Tranquillo outer passages framing more kinetic Tempo giusto, affettuoso, con calore central section.“
AIM, 26.6.2023
“Meditative and resonant, cloud-like chords are turned into drones, leading to quasi-static final measures and, eventually, silence. An astonishing feat.“
AIM, 26.6.2023
“Idiomatically conceived, the score makes great use of the solo instrument’s harmonic and rhythmic potential, to a captivating effect.“
AIM, 26.6.2023
“Teddy made a profound impact upon its virtuosic first performance.“
AIM, 26.6.2023
“Teddy conjured up a sonic dream-quest, a safe space filled with absorbing textures of soothing spectral beauty and empowering post-minimalist energy.“
AIM, 26.6.2023
“Teddy marks one of the finest entries to the solo accordion repertoire in recent years. “
AIM, 28.8.2023
Sheet Music
Schott Music
Schott Music GmbH & Co. KG
Weihergarten 5
55116 Mainz
info@schott-music.com
+49 6131 246-0
Past performances
27.4.2024
Janne Valkeajoki
Music Centre
Helsinki, Finland
2.2.2024
Janne Valkeajoki
Centre Löwenberg
Murten/Morat, Switzerland
27.7.2023
Janne Valkeajoki
Kulttuuritila Nuijamies
Lappeenranta, Finland
24.7.2023
Janne Valkeajoki
Our Festival
Ainola
Järvenpää, Finland