"Creston Premier at Pops"  (May - 1960)
 "Camen Carrozza Soloist In Concerto For Accordion"

"Not often does one hear a world premiere at the Pops. Last night, however, Arthur Fiedler broke the pattern by presenting the first performance of a new work by Paul Creston, a leading American Composer."

"Carmen Carrozza was the soloist last night and will be heard nightly though Sunday in Mr. Creston's work. In 1959 the American Accordionist' Association honored him with a trophy as  "the outstanding concert artist of the year." Perhaps many people will be surprise - as  I  was - to learn that there are accordion concert artist. All doubt, however,  has now been dispelled;  We have one in Symphony Hall." 

"There is no question that Mr. Carrozza is an artist. He demonstrated a technique that was apparently flawless; there were times when his swiftness of fingers quite dazzled the ear." 

"The concerto is cast in the traditional  three-movement  form. Mr. Creston enjoys the use of syncopation; again and again he developed captivating rhythms for the orchestra while the solo instrument  sang   a   haunting melody on its own.”

“The opening Allegro maestoso alternated digital acrobatics with sustained singing melodies.”

“The Andante pastoral derived much of its harmonies and moods from the impressionist. There were the whole tone progressions and certain parallel progressions of the chords. The mood was Bucolic - tranquil, contemplative, aspiring.”

“The finale Rondo presto, returned to the display of speed that kept Mr. Carrozza’s right hand flying up and down the keyboard. At the conclusion both Mr. Carrozza and Mr. Fiedler were warmly applauded and recalled several times to the stage.”
     -The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, Wednesday, May 11, 1960: by Harold Rogers
       

 

"Carmen Carrozza is a great artist and performer." 
     - Arthur Fiedler

 

"There is no question that Mr. Carrozza is an artist. He demonstrated a technique that was apparently flawless; there were times when his swiftness of fingers quite dazzled the ear." 
    - The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, by Harold Rogers , May 11, 1960