Gidon Kremer et al - Astor Piazzolla: El Tango

A renewed interest in the work of composer Astor Piazzolla has led to a rediscovery of the tango as classical music as well as dance. The Astor Quartet, led by violinist Gidon Kremer, has created a fascinating retrospective in EL TANGO, including the composer's most famous pieces alongside selected pieces inspired by the tango master. Piazzolla was one of the few contemporary composers to perform his own music, and his work as interpreted by others is an opportunity to re-examine its bright and airy beauty. By leading with the violin rather than piano, the Astor Quartet provides a refreshing new take. The beautiful performances go a long way, but it is the wonderful melodies and strength of composition that star here. Even the poetry of renowned author Jorge Luis Borges recited with the title track, 'El Tango,' cannot take away the luster of Piazzolla's music. The Astor Quartet does an admirable job, particularly Kremer's violin and the piano of Vadim Sakharov. The expert performances, timeless compositions and warm production values make EL TANGO a classic recording. This is a must listen.


Tracklisting:


1. Revirado (3:14)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Odair Assad (Guitar), Sergio Assad (Guitar)
Arranged: Sérgio Assad

2. Pachouli (8:13)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Vadim Sakharov (Piano)
Arranged: Astor Quartet

3. Preludio para el año 3001 (Rinasceró) (3:51)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon), Gidon Kremer (Violin), Milva (Voice), Vadim Sakharov (Piano), Alois Posch (Double Bass)
Arranged: Astor Quartet

4. My Happiness (2:19)
Composer: Leonid Desyatnikov
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon), Vadim Sakharov (Piano), Alois Posch (Double Bass)

5. El tango (6:50)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon), Vadim Sakharov (Piano), Alois Posch (Double Bass)
Caetano Veloso (Spoken Vocals - Narrator)
Recording Date: 12/1996
Additional recording for this track was done in May, 1997 at Studio Discover, Rio da Janeiro, Brazil.

6. Instead of a Tango (4:15)
Composer: Giya Kancheli (1935 - )
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon), Vadim Sakharov (Piano), Alois Posch (Double Bass)

7. Decaríssimo (3:38)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon), Vadim Sakharov (Piano), Alois Posch (Double Bass)
Arranged: Astor Quartet

8. Los mareados (5:18)
Composer: Juan Carlos Cobian
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon)
Arranged: Per Arne Glorvigen

9. Che Tango Che (3:00)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Milva (Voice), Gidon Kremer (Violin), Vadim Sakharov (Piano), Alois Posch (Double Bass)
Arranged: Sérgio Assad

10. Milonga for Three (6:29)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Odair Assad (Guitar), Sergio Assad (Guitar), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon)
Arranged: Sérgio Assad

11. Michelangelo 70 (3:22)
Composer: Astor Piazzolla (1921 - 1992)
Performer: Gidon Kremer (Violin), Per Arne Glorvigen (Bandoneon), Vadim Sakharov (Piano), Alois Posch (Double Bass)
Arranged: Astor Quartet