Comments from Sheri Mignano
Crawford -- January 6,
2005
What
a thrill to open up my Christmas present and find The Golden Age of
the Accordion. I don’t know where to begin with
the compliments. I felt as though I found a part of
my life in this book. I learned accordion at G
& G Studios in San Jose,
so I was naturally disappointed that there wasn’t anything about that
area. I guess I’ll have to write one (Ha Ha!
If only I had time).
First, I’m a tough lady to please! My own
background is 25 years teaching college level history and
humanities. I am an ardent researcher and truly appreciate the
writer who will go to the primary sources. Your
book contains numerous “eyewitness” accounts. The
letters are so important to the documentation process. First-hand
accounts are everything!
Second, the copies of the programs, the music catalogs
(especially) tell the story, and the many fine photographs complete the
history as to how it all evolved. These sorts of
documents provide essential facts that can only be distilled from the
source. I am fascinated with details! The
extensive index with names is most helpful as I try to “connect the
dots.”
Third, your book has been an important model for me.
I was inspired by how it was structured. I
am intending to publish a book and have bought the ISBN numbers.
No, it’s not an accordion book – it’s a mandolin book about the
Ballo Liscio tradition, and the Italian American mandolinists and
composers in the San Francisco
Bay area. I
play this music and want to preserve it. This
book will contain several biographical sketches and an historical
overview with about 75 Public Domain songs that I have learned and
transcribed from ear, tape, and old, old copies. I
hope to debut the book in late February. I can only
hope that it turns out to be as entertaining and educational as yours!
-- Sheri Mignano
Crawford, Author, Teacher, and Musician (Accordion, Piano, and Flute)
Comments
from Edmund Cifani -- November 9, 2000
I received your book on the history of the
accordion. I am enjoying it very much. What a terrific job
this must have
been to put something like this together. I
congratulate you all on this great accomplishment!
I, of course, really appreciate it very
much because the accordion has been my life's work. I started
playing engagements back in 1939. Then, I was in the Army playing
accordion with an orchestra in Europe. After World War II, I
started my accordion school in 1946. I served in the 1950's as
President of the Cleveland Accordion Teachers' Association.
During
all that time, I was always active performing. My wife,
Gilda, is also a musician and worked with me.
Right now, I am still teaching and
performing in the Cleveland area. Once again, it's a great great
book.
-- Edmund Cifani,
Professional Musician and Teacher, Cifani Accordion Studio, Rocky
River, Ohio.
Comments from Mr. Robert Osso -- May 22, 1995
The
comments below were received from
Bob Osso, a retired accordion teacher, who wrote to us in 1995.
We just ran across his letter again recently and thought it would be
interesting to post on our web site. As he was 80 year's old at
that time, we do not know if he is still alive.
My
name is Bob Osso, shown on
page 158 in your book, The Golden Age of the
Accordion. Recently, one
of my former students, Ed Hornyak, and I got in touch. He
mentioned your book and that I appeared in it. He immediately got
me a book as a gift. I thought that was very nice indeed.
I'm retired -- 80 years' old, but I just recently bought myself a fine
Giulietti accordion, and I'm enjoying playing it.
Reading
the book puts a smile on my
face because I know a lot of the people. I studied with Joe
Biviano, and I studied theory and harmony with Gene Von Halberg.
Of course, I also knew Mr. Charles Magnante. I attended the
Carnegie Hall recital. It was then that I studied with Joe
Biviano. I have found your book very pleasing, and I sort
of sit back and smile when I think of all my friends (I knew them all!).
Thank you. Sincerely, Bob Osso