ASTOR PIAZZOLLA
ITINERARY OF A GENIUS
COMPREHENSIVE 'BEST OF' INCLUDES SOME OF PIAZZOLLA'S MOST ENDEARED
SONGS SUCH AS 'ADIÓS NONINO' AS WELL AS THREE INTERVIEWS.
EXTENSIVE LINER NOTES WRITTEN BY DAUGHTER DIANA PIAZZOLLA
TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY 'BEST OF' TO BE RELEASED JULY 23, 2002 ON MILAN RECORDS
Often referred to as the originator of the "nuevo tango," ASTOR PIAZZOLLA was an Argentinean visionary who endured the wrath of many of his countrymen for adapting their national dance to his own modern ends. A soulful and accomplished performer on the accordion-like bandoneon, PIAZZOLLA'S many recordings placed him as a leading international composer. Aside from his own hand-picked ensembles, PIAZZOLLA recorded with a mix of jazz and classical players in the US.
Born in Argentina [1921], Piazzolla spent much of his youth in New York, having moved there when he was four. It was in New York where young Astor was exposed to a wide array of music including classical and jazz. At the age of nine, his father presented him with a gift-- a bandoneon. He later returned to Argentina, where he learned to play tango music.
In 1954, Piazzolla was given a grant to study with Nadia Boulanger. He began fusing elements of classical, contemporary and jazz to develop this "nuevo tango." Unbeknownst at the time, Piazzolla was making music that would transcend sexual genders and racial boundaries. Not only would he be referred to as the originator of "nuevo tango," but also as the king of seduction with the breathless music he was creating.
In 1960, Piazzolla formed the Quinteto Tango Nuevo (New Tango Quintet). It was during this period that Astor composed one of his most cherished and heartfelt pieces, "Adios Nonino." Although scorned by classical tango supporters, Piazzolla saw his vision of tango music, with its traces of classical and jazz overlapping, come into fruition. Although it varied from traditional tango, Astor maintained the romanticism, passion and violence that traditional tango held. By 1980, Astor Piazzolla had become a world renowned musician.
In 1988, a few months after recording what would be his final record with the quintet La Camorra, Piazzolla underwent a quadruple bypass. Shortly thereafter, in early 1989, he formed what would be his last group, The New Tango Sextet. They were of unusual characteristics consisting of two bandoneons, piano, electric guitar, bass and cello. He performed with this group in June of 1989 at the Teatro Opera in Buenos Aires. This would be his last concert in Argentina as he began an extensive tour throughout the US, Germany, England, and Holland.
Towards the end of 1989 Piazzolla dissolved his band, performing solo with string quartets and symphonic orchestras. On August 4, 1990, in Paris, Astor Piazzolla suffered a stroke. Two years later on July 4, 1992 he passed away in Buenos Aires.
His opus, comprised of more than 1000 works including a characteristic career with an undoubtedly Argentinean flavor, continues to influence the best musicians in the world. Musicians such as violinist Gidon Kremer, cellist Yo-Yo-Ma, the Kronos Quartet, the pianists Emanuel Ax and Arthur Moreira Lima, guitarist Al Di Meola, the Assad brothers, and numerous chamber music and symphonic orchestras all tip their hats to a man whose musical legacy has changed the face of music forever. His music is unmatched. A career characterized by his aesthetic power and his unique style, almost in a league of its own.
It has been ten years since Astor Piazzolla's death. In homage to this musical genius, Milan Records has assembled some of Astor Piazzolla's most popular and heartfelt songs on their release ITINERARY OF A GENIUS. This impressive collection also features three interviews conducted with the master and originator of the "nuevo tango." A true celebration for an international musical innovator.
ITINERARY OF A GENIUS TRACK LISTING:
March 11, 1921 - July 4, 1992
1. Adiós Nonino
2. Libertango
3. Buenos Aires hora cero
4. Tres minutos con la realidad
5. Verano Porteño
6. Doble concierto para Bandoneón, Guitarra y Orquesta de Cuerdos
"Hommage à Liège" Tango - Guitar Cacho Tirao
7. Vuelvo al Sur - voice Roberto Goyeneche
8. Tanguedia III
9. Milonga del Angel
10. Concierto de Nacar 3rd movement allegro marcato
11. Decarissimo
12. Duo de Amor
13. Ballada para un loco - voice Amelita Baltar
Astor Piazzolla speaks on France Inter / France Culture
14. November 1987 - Opus (France Culture)
15. July 1987 - Les Trottoirs de Buenos Aires - Euphonia Argentina
16. March 21, 1981 - Interactualités
For Further Info, Please Contact:
Ali Ohta at Milan Records
Ph: 310 358 4277 E: ali.ohta@bmg.com
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