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Recommendations on the music of Astor Piazzolla

Last night I attended a concert where one of the works was Piazzolla's "Concerto for Bandoneon and Orchestra" (1979). The soloist was Lidia Kaminski, a Polish accordion virtuoso. She played a small "accordion-like" instrument known as the Bandoneon.

The music was Argentine Tango style in three movements. The middle movement played with such grace, finesse and sadness by the soloist, I decided then and there to explore more of Piazzolla's work.

I am looking for LP recommendations of his work, including the one mentioned above.

In addition, I would urge folks to keep an eye out for Ms. Kaminski to be performing in your area. She will make you rethink the accordion.
slipknot1
lewinskih01
909 posts
 
I'd go for Hora Cero (Zero Hour) too, and La Camorra. There is A LOT of his work from the 60s and 70s, so a lot on vinyl. Not sure what you are able to get where you are at, though. GREAT musician. If you are looking to start exploring his work you might want to try 40 Obras Fundamentales (40 Fundamental Pieces), a recopilation that provides a good overview.

BTW, a bandoneon is no accordion!! I know you did say "accordion-like", but oh well, I am from Buenos Aires and even though I'm no tango die-hard I can't let it slip by!
:-)
slipknot1 OP
1,423 posts
 
Thank you all for the suggestions!
Lewinskih01-

I know what you mean about the bandoneon. I was so blown away by what I heard that instrument in the hands of a virtuoso do last night, I rushed to put it in some context I could wrap my mind around. About the only thing they have in common is a bellows, like a Ferrari and a Chevy both have tires. A different animal altogether.

Ms. Kaminski was joined by an expert of the music of Astor Piazzolla in a pre-concert talk. His name escapes me, but he spoke with an Australian accent. He discussed the evolution of Piazzolla's music and the history of the music of the tango and the culture it developed out of. Very interesting.
jlamb
150 posts
 
Alot of great reccomendations, all of which I enjoy on a regular basis! However, no one has mentioned Gidon Kremer's very excellent 6 CD's:
Hommage a Piazolla
Astor Piazolla:El Tango [w/the irrepresible 'Che Tango Che']
Tracing Astor
Tango Blallet [my fave!]
eight Season's [4 by Viavaldi interspersed w/ 4 by Astor]
and lastly,
Maria de Buenos Aires
jlamb
150 posts
 
oh lest i forget, he also has a live concert in Central Park, 'Concerto Para Bandeon', and a 'jazz' set [I can't recall with who] 'The New Tango'.
His music has experienced a renassaince among a variety of
musicans from Yo Yo Ma to Al Di Meola.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,153 posts
 
Jlamb, I second your recommendation. Kremer is really good.

Although Slipknot1, I know you originally mentioned you want this music on vinyl, I urge you to check out Gidon Kremer's Piazzolla recordings on CD as well.
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