Luis de Pablo’s compositional output is tremendously attractive – for accordionists as well – in view of its outstanding originality and quality. It is also entirely different from the remaining contemporary repertoire for accordion: de Pablo’s particularly expressive musical vocabulary is perfectly tuned to the dynamic capacities of the accordion bellows, as well as to the instrument’s wide range of sonorities and extended performance options. We all agreed that an original work by a great master such as Luis de Pablo would make a valuable contribution to accordion repertoire.

Amicitia calls for immense orchestral forces: fourfold woodwinds, four horns and four trumpets, three trombones and a tuba plus harp, celesta, timpani, four percussionists, and a complete lineup of strings. In spite of this vast scoring, Luis de Pablo employs the forces at his disposal with great subtlety, particularly vis-à-vis the accordion.

Iñaki Alberdi has collaborated closely with different current composers, and premiered work by Sofia Gubaidulina, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Luis de Pablo, Joan Guinjoan, Gabriel Erkoreka, Ramon Lazkano, Jesús Torres, Agustín Charles and José María Sánchez-Verdú.