D. Karcic & R. Oreggia - Valse (Waltz) in D

Accordionists
Dominic Karcic and Ray Oreggia
Jan. 21, 2010 - Valse (Waltz) in D by Emilio Chiesa

Emilio Chiesa was born in New York City in 1919 and went to school at PS 72 where he had his first music teacher who was a fine pianist and accordionist. After 3-4 years of music lessons, he auditioned to play for some radio stations and in 1930-31 appeared several times on WCDA and WOV.




In the fall of 1931, Emilio and his family returned to Italy and he continued his studies in Piacenza with a professor of organ and piano. He played frequently wih local musicians at various town functions.

In 1937, he signed a contract with a Milan-based Victor recording company, "La Voce del Padrone". He made many recordings under maestro and director Dino Olivieri and his orchestra. The orchestra recorded with "pop singers" of the day as well as many opera singers such as Tito Schipa. When the contract ended, Emilio decided to return to America.

For several years, Emilio performed in Manhattan nightclubs and also played with violinist and conductor Vincent Sorey. Then in 1942, he was drafted and joined the 96th Infantry Division. He was accepted into the division band and learned to play the trombone and continued to play the accordion in the dance band. One other member of the band was concert violinist Dick Kesner who later became a member of the Lawrence Welk orchestra. A few members of the band, formed a small group and called themselves the "GI Gypsies." They played at many USO shows up and down the west coast before being deployed to Hawaii and then eventually fighting in the invasion of Leyte Island in the Phillippines and also the last major campaign of the Pacific of WW II the battle of Okinawa.

Back from the war in 1946, Emilio began teaching the accordion and resumed performing in Manhattan nightclubs the Gondolier, VIP, Terrace Cafe, Val Taro, Cafe Torino, and many others. He made many recordings with John Brugnoli and Pete Delgrosso, both fine accordionists.




Throughout his long career and until his retirement in 1978, Emilio taught the accordion; performed and mentored with other wonderful accordionists and musicians; and wrote and arranged music for the accordion.

Emilio now lives in Fairfax, VA. He married Mary Delgrosso whose family came from Borgo Val di Taro, Italy. They have two children and two grandchildren.

In recent years there has evolved a great interest in the Valtaro Musette style, its repertoire and history. The Valtaro Musette Orchestra had its origin in New York City in the year 1936. For more information on this orchestra and its founders, history and performers please see:

http://www.valtaro.it/valtaro_musette/index.htm
http://www.valtaro.it/john_brugnoli/index.htm
http://www.valtaro.it/magnanini/index.htm
http://www.valtaro.it/peter_spagnoli/index.htm
http://www.valtaro.it/connecticut/index.htm

For more information on Valtaro Musette music write to:
accordionman@optonline.net

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Valtaro
• Musette
• Dominic
• Karcic
• Ray
• Oreggia
• Emilio
• Chiesa
• Valse
• (Waltz)
• in

[TrustworthyMtgGuy]

RIP Pete Spagnoli....your music and the music made my those you taught will live on forever!

Pete was one of the nices guys I have ever met, and a fantastic musician as well!

[Fergophone]

A beautiful piece and great duet playing, thank you.

[Midisqueeze]

I like this very much. Thank you for posting!