While most of our blog series about Piazzolla on unusual instruments have featured Libertango, today the series expands to include Nightclub 1960 from the Histoire du tango suite originally composed for flute and guitar. The instrument is unusual in the western world but is quite common in the Chinese world. It is a bamboo flute, the dizi (pronounced Dee Zzzt – like a bumble bee sound). The musicians in the video are Diao Peng (dizi) and Xu Weiting (piano) and I would guess that they are students. Their YouTube channel suggests they are from Taiwan. Both are fine musicians. For a simple instrument, the dizi is played here not only with precision and agility but also with a remarkable level of expression. Note the well done "slides" at 4'30"into the video. A very enjoyable performance.
The dizi has six finger holes and is blown from nearer the middle of the instrument than the western flute. But the most unusual feature is a seventh hole, located between the embouchure and the first finger hole, which is covered with a thin membrane called a dimo). At higher breath pressures, the dimo vibrates adding a buzzy distortion to the tone (anticipating the electric guitar distortion pedal by 2,000 years). Managing the distortion becomes another part of the musicians art in the music. Note that Mr. Diao taps the dimo before he starts playing - I guess to make sure it is working. And it does indeed work. You will hear the unique timbre throughout the piece.
Dizi's come in a dizzying (sorry about that) variety of sizes and keys - you can see them all at Eason Music.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
Note added 28 April, 2011: The original version of this blog incorrectly identified the musicians. I believe it is correct as now shown above.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
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Thursday, December 30, 2010
La Bicicleta Blanca - Francisco Llanos
Some singers are magicians - they not only sing the song, they transport the audience to another place. Such is the case in this performance by Francisco Llanos. The conditions are not ideal - a municipal salon in Rio Cuarto which has probably seen more press conferences than concerts; no live band, just a recording for accompaniment through a sound system with a little too much reverb. But Llanos, born in Rio Cuarto, has his home town audience spell-bound and visibly moved in his part recitation, part singing performance of La bicicleta blanca.
La bicicleta blanca was composed by Piazzolla in 1971, with lyrics by Horacio Ferrer. The music is almost incidental to the lyrics, which you can find here in the original Spanish and with an English translation. It is one of those poems full of symbolism and levels of meaning that literature professors love to ask students to interpret. It was first recorded by Amelita Baltar in the album titled La Bicicleta Blanca but popularized largely in these versions by José Angel Trelles and Raúl Lavié. From the perspective of just singing the song, all three of those performers may surpass Llanos but for sheer magic, Llanos wins the prize.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
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La bicicleta blanca was composed by Piazzolla in 1971, with lyrics by Horacio Ferrer. The music is almost incidental to the lyrics, which you can find here in the original Spanish and with an English translation. It is one of those poems full of symbolism and levels of meaning that literature professors love to ask students to interpret. It was first recorded by Amelita Baltar in the album titled La Bicicleta Blanca but popularized largely in these versions by José Angel Trelles and Raúl Lavié. From the perspective of just singing the song, all three of those performers may surpass Llanos but for sheer magic, Llanos wins the prize.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Three Piazzolla Originals
Today features three videos, all new to YouTube and all with important original Piazzolla content. The first video includes several minutes from the July 11, 1983 concert at the Teatro de Colón which the Azzi/Collier book, Le Grand Tango, describes as "Piazzolla's apotheosis." Piazzolla and the Colón orchestra under the baton of Pedro Ignacio Calderón closed the concert with Adios Nonino and took five bows during a ten minute standing ovation. The voice-over in the video is Piazzolla's. The full concert can be heard on the difficult to find recording, Astor Piazzolla: En El Teatro Colón. Much of the concert can also be heard on the reissue CD, Concierto de Nácar, but unfortunately, Adios Nonino is not on that CD regardless of what it says on the label.
The second video contains no Piazzolla performances but does contain a Piazzolla voice-over and a priceless selection of Piazzolla family photographs. The video is a dramatization of Piazzolla's creation of Adios Nonino. The traditional story has Piazzolla composing the piece in the kitchen on a bandoneón, not on the piano as in this video. I believe that this video and the first video of the Teatro Colón performance are from Eliseo Alvarez's 1997 movie, Queréme así, piantao (also known as Astortango in Britain and the U.S.A.). To my knowledge, this movie has never been issued as a DVD but it apparently has been broadcast on HBO as a made-for-TV movie. Hopefully, we will see more from this movie in the future.
The third video captures fragments from a 1974 television broadcast on TV Tupi from São Paulo, Brazil. The first fragment features the Piazzolla quintet playing Invierno Porteño. The second fragment is Balada para un loco with Amelita Baltar doing the vocal. This is the only video I am aware of featuring the "re-formed" first quintet which existed briefly in 1974-75. It may also be the only video of Piazzolla performing with Baltar and is almost certainly the last since they separated, professionally and personally, shortly after this video was made. The pianist in the "re-formed" quintet was Osvaldo Tarantino but the pianist in this video does not appear to be Tarantino. Nor does he resemble Danti Amicarelli (see photo here) who sometimes substituted for Tarantino in the quintet. I might speculate that the pianist is Luigi Giudici who recorded with Piazzolla in Brazil during this period on his recordings with Ney Matogrosso but I find no photos of Mr. Giudici on the internet. It is a mystery. I am hoping a reader can help identify the pianist in the video and leave a comment below. Hopefully, more of this television appearance has survived and we will see it in its entirety in the future.
Note added 27 December, 2010: Mystery solved. The pianist is indeed Dante Amicarelli. Thanks to Daniel P. for the positive I.D.
If the videos do not appear below, click here for the Teatro Colón performance, here for the Adios Nonino story, and here for the video from São Paulo.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The second video contains no Piazzolla performances but does contain a Piazzolla voice-over and a priceless selection of Piazzolla family photographs. The video is a dramatization of Piazzolla's creation of Adios Nonino. The traditional story has Piazzolla composing the piece in the kitchen on a bandoneón, not on the piano as in this video. I believe that this video and the first video of the Teatro Colón performance are from Eliseo Alvarez's 1997 movie, Queréme así, piantao (also known as Astortango in Britain and the U.S.A.). To my knowledge, this movie has never been issued as a DVD but it apparently has been broadcast on HBO as a made-for-TV movie. Hopefully, we will see more from this movie in the future.
The third video captures fragments from a 1974 television broadcast on TV Tupi from São Paulo, Brazil. The first fragment features the Piazzolla quintet playing Invierno Porteño. The second fragment is Balada para un loco with Amelita Baltar doing the vocal. This is the only video I am aware of featuring the "re-formed" first quintet which existed briefly in 1974-75. It may also be the only video of Piazzolla performing with Baltar and is almost certainly the last since they separated, professionally and personally, shortly after this video was made. The pianist in the "re-formed" quintet was Osvaldo Tarantino but the pianist in this video does not appear to be Tarantino. Nor does he resemble Danti Amicarelli (see photo here) who sometimes substituted for Tarantino in the quintet. I might speculate that the pianist is Luigi Giudici who recorded with Piazzolla in Brazil during this period on his recordings with Ney Matogrosso but I find no photos of Mr. Giudici on the internet. It is a mystery. I am hoping a reader can help identify the pianist in the video and leave a comment below. Hopefully, more of this television appearance has survived and we will see it in its entirety in the future.
Note added 27 December, 2010: Mystery solved. The pianist is indeed Dante Amicarelli. Thanks to Daniel P. for the positive I.D.
If the videos do not appear below, click here for the Teatro Colón performance, here for the Adios Nonino story, and here for the video from São Paulo.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Christmas Eve Duet - Romero and Di Meola
What do the great jazz guitarists Hernan Romero and Al Di Meola do at home on Christmas eve? They play a little Piazzolla. Today's video captures an informal moment with these two artists playing "unplugged" in someone's home. From the gold records on display behind them, I would guess it is one of their homes and since Romero posted the video, it is probably his.
The two have a long history of collaboration with ten recordings together including Di Meola Plays Piazzolla, which belongs in every Piazzolla lover's collection. Interestingly, I believe the piece they are playing, Vuelvo al sur in today's video, has never been recorded by either of them. Perhaps this is an informal rehearsal for an upcoming recording? Let's hope so.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The two have a long history of collaboration with ten recordings together including Di Meola Plays Piazzolla, which belongs in every Piazzolla lover's collection. Interestingly, I believe the piece they are playing, Vuelvo al sur in today's video, has never been recorded by either of them. Perhaps this is an informal rehearsal for an upcoming recording? Let's hope so.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Adios Nonino - Walter Rios
Magnificent and moving: two words which best capture for me the Walter Rios interpretation of Adios Nonino in today's video. This is perhaps the best orquesta típica arrangement of the piece I have ever heard. Adios Nonino, while not performed as frequently as Libertango, is still arguably Piazzolla's most famous composition. The Azzi/Collier book, Le Grand Tango, suggests that Piazzolla wrote at least twenty arrangements of Adios Nonino and those range from solo bandoneón to full orchestra. The arrangement he provided for his famous duo concert with Osvaldo Pugliese would qualify as an orquesta típica arrangement but Rios has captured the breadth of the composition even better here and even includes a little salute to Pugliese in one of the more joyous moments in the arrangement.
Adios Nonino was composed in 1959, at the time of the death of Piazzolla's father - known to Piazzolla's children as Nonino (translates approximately as "little grandfather"). It was based on a joyful tango he had composed earlier, titled Nonino, but contrasted that melody with musical expressions of the sorrow felt strongly at the time. The best arrangements always capture both the joy of remembrance and the sorrow of passing and Rios does that beautifully here. The poignancy communicated in the bandoneón solo at roughly five minutes into the video is just perfect.
While I believe this performance is new to YouTube, it is actually from a famous August, 2005 performance at ND Ateneo which included many of the most famous tango musicians of the day. It was a complicated arrangement in which the musicians alternated through roles of performer, arranger and conductor - sometimes doing all three as Rios does in this video. In addition to Rios, members of the orquesta tipica are Ernesto Baffa, Horacio Romo, and Pablo Mainetti on bandoneón; Mario Abramovich, Eduardo Walczak, Mauricio Marchelli, Damián Bolotín, Pablo Agri, and Miguel Angel Bertero on violin, Mario Fiocca on viola; Diego Sánchez on cello; Horacio Cabarcos on contrabass; and Nicolás Ledesma on piano. The beautiful violin solo which Rios generously acknowledges was by the reigning dean of tango violinist, Mario Abramovich.
This performance is available as Seleccion Nacional de Tango: En Vivo in both CD and DVD formats.
My thanks to the poster of the video, Carla Romma, for the additional information which made this blog posting possible.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Adios Nonino was composed in 1959, at the time of the death of Piazzolla's father - known to Piazzolla's children as Nonino (translates approximately as "little grandfather"). It was based on a joyful tango he had composed earlier, titled Nonino, but contrasted that melody with musical expressions of the sorrow felt strongly at the time. The best arrangements always capture both the joy of remembrance and the sorrow of passing and Rios does that beautifully here. The poignancy communicated in the bandoneón solo at roughly five minutes into the video is just perfect.
While I believe this performance is new to YouTube, it is actually from a famous August, 2005 performance at ND Ateneo which included many of the most famous tango musicians of the day. It was a complicated arrangement in which the musicians alternated through roles of performer, arranger and conductor - sometimes doing all three as Rios does in this video. In addition to Rios, members of the orquesta tipica are Ernesto Baffa, Horacio Romo, and Pablo Mainetti on bandoneón; Mario Abramovich, Eduardo Walczak, Mauricio Marchelli, Damián Bolotín, Pablo Agri, and Miguel Angel Bertero on violin, Mario Fiocca on viola; Diego Sánchez on cello; Horacio Cabarcos on contrabass; and Nicolás Ledesma on piano. The beautiful violin solo which Rios generously acknowledges was by the reigning dean of tango violinist, Mario Abramovich.
This performance is available as Seleccion Nacional de Tango: En Vivo in both CD and DVD formats.
My thanks to the poster of the video, Carla Romma, for the additional information which made this blog posting possible.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Fuga y Misterio - Branford Marsalis & Pablo Ziegler
There is no more famous family in the jazz world than the Marsalis family: father Ellis and sons Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason. They released a new family album in 2010, Music Redeems. It's full of great music and the proceeds from sales of the album go to support their music education foundation which is part of the New Orleans Musicians' Village. With that public service announcement taken care of, we turn to today's video in which brother Branford brings his saxophones and joins Pablo Ziegler's quartet on stage at New York's Jazz Standard club for some Piazzolla in the jazz mode. Fortunately for us crmusica was there to capture it on video.
The work they cover is Fuga y misterio, one of the instrumental interludes from Piazzolla's operita Maria de Buenos Aires. Ziegler is there with his current quartet: Claudio Ragazzi on guitar, Hector DelCurto on bandoneón, and Pedro Giraudo on bass. This quartet has been reviewed before in this blog and they are worth reviewing again but it is Branford Marsalis that makes today's video special. Marsalis joins them first with his tenor sax and then switches mid-piece to the soprano sax. We are treated to solos on both instruments. Ziegler has no doubt played the piece hundreds of times but his sound is still fresh and creative. I supposed that Marsalis was new to the piece - you may note he is checking music or charts as he proceeds. But, I was wrong. Ziegler and Marsalis visited Fuga y misterio together at least once before in 2005 at a gala for the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. I suspect that encounter was the direct precursor to the meeting in this video which happened only about two weeks ago.
Ziegler will never qualify for membership in the Marsalis family but the Ziegler-Marsalis duo certainly qualifies for more Piazzolla together. Wouldn't it be interesting if Branford brought his brothers along for the gig?
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The work they cover is Fuga y misterio, one of the instrumental interludes from Piazzolla's operita Maria de Buenos Aires. Ziegler is there with his current quartet: Claudio Ragazzi on guitar, Hector DelCurto on bandoneón, and Pedro Giraudo on bass. This quartet has been reviewed before in this blog and they are worth reviewing again but it is Branford Marsalis that makes today's video special. Marsalis joins them first with his tenor sax and then switches mid-piece to the soprano sax. We are treated to solos on both instruments. Ziegler has no doubt played the piece hundreds of times but his sound is still fresh and creative. I supposed that Marsalis was new to the piece - you may note he is checking music or charts as he proceeds. But, I was wrong. Ziegler and Marsalis visited Fuga y misterio together at least once before in 2005 at a gala for the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. I suspect that encounter was the direct precursor to the meeting in this video which happened only about two weeks ago.
Ziegler will never qualify for membership in the Marsalis family but the Ziegler-Marsalis duo certainly qualifies for more Piazzolla together. Wouldn't it be interesting if Branford brought his brothers along for the gig?
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Maria de Buenos Aires - Cambra XX, Again
In May of this year, this blog enthused about Pablo Zinger's 2009 production in Valencia of Piazzolla's operita, Maria de Buenos Aires. Zinger brought the production back on stage last month at the Teatro Serrano in Gandia and the videos of that production have just started to arrive on YouTube. I won't repeat here what I said in the May blog but just remind you that this may well be the best production of Maria since the original in 1968. Zinger just keeps getting better and better.
The Gandia production appears to be very similar to the one in Valencia. The vocalists are the same, staging seems the same and most of the orchestra is the same. But there are differences: a new narrator, Leonardo Granados - he's good, but a narrator with a little more gravitas would be better; new dancers and choreography - more aggressive and interesting; and, an oboe has been added to the orchestra - not an instrument found in Piazzolla's original production but Zinger has orchestrated it in beautifully and I view it as an improvement over the original.
As I write this, there are six videos from the production on YouTube and I hope there will be more. The entire production is not there yet. You can find the set of videos on Robert Turlo's YouTube channel (incidentally, Turlo is the artistic director of the production and also the oboist). I have chosen to display the introductory video below because it includes an introduction by Zinger but most of the music resides in the other five videos. The quality of the video is quite high, suggesting perhaps a DVD is on the way. I certainly hope so - I would like to add it to my permanent collection.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The Gandia production appears to be very similar to the one in Valencia. The vocalists are the same, staging seems the same and most of the orchestra is the same. But there are differences: a new narrator, Leonardo Granados - he's good, but a narrator with a little more gravitas would be better; new dancers and choreography - more aggressive and interesting; and, an oboe has been added to the orchestra - not an instrument found in Piazzolla's original production but Zinger has orchestrated it in beautifully and I view it as an improvement over the original.
As I write this, there are six videos from the production on YouTube and I hope there will be more. The entire production is not there yet. You can find the set of videos on Robert Turlo's YouTube channel (incidentally, Turlo is the artistic director of the production and also the oboist). I have chosen to display the introductory video below because it includes an introduction by Zinger but most of the music resides in the other five videos. The quality of the video is quite high, suggesting perhaps a DVD is on the way. I certainly hope so - I would like to add it to my permanent collection.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Rhapsody Harmonica Ensemble
The harmonica and the bandoneón are first cousins - related through the bisonic reed arrangement they share. And, performances where the harmonica replaces the bandoneón are not uncommon; but, the Rhapsody Harmonica Ensemble seen in today's videos goes beyond that and uses harmonicas to replace not only all of Piazzolla's quintet but also all of the Kronos Quartet.
I am not sure of the harmonica group's name: Google Translate suggests the group is called Crazy Ring Harmonica Orchestra but a related Facebook page suggests the name, Rhapsody Harmonica Ensemble. Under either name, these are special harmonica players who play a large variety of music, much of which can be seen on konekome's YouTube Channel. I believe the leader of this Taiwan ensemble is Chen Sheng Yi and if he is responsible for the musical arrangements and the training of the group, he is to be congratulated.
Two videos are included below. The first is Fear, the last of five movements of Tango Sensations which Piazzolla composed for the Kronos Quartet in 1989. He and the quartet recorded the work on one of Piazzolla's last recordings: Piazzolla: Five Tango Sensations. It is a difficult piece, even for an experienced string quartet, and I am amazed at the audacity of a harmonica ensemble to even attempt to play the piece. The ensemble handles the difficult fugues well and only stumbles once in one of the middle transitional sections. The second piece is Invierno Porteño, played here by a trio of harmonicas. The musicality these three put into the piece with such simple instruments is just astounding. If you watch nothing else, watch they way they end the piece starting with Piazzolla's salute to Vivaldi at six minutes into the video.
If you, like me, can't quite get enough of such unexpected artistry, also take a look at this samba.
If the videos do not appear below, click here for Fear and here for Invierno Porteño.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
I am not sure of the harmonica group's name: Google Translate suggests the group is called Crazy Ring Harmonica Orchestra but a related Facebook page suggests the name, Rhapsody Harmonica Ensemble. Under either name, these are special harmonica players who play a large variety of music, much of which can be seen on konekome's YouTube Channel. I believe the leader of this Taiwan ensemble is Chen Sheng Yi and if he is responsible for the musical arrangements and the training of the group, he is to be congratulated.
Two videos are included below. The first is Fear, the last of five movements of Tango Sensations which Piazzolla composed for the Kronos Quartet in 1989. He and the quartet recorded the work on one of Piazzolla's last recordings: Piazzolla: Five Tango Sensations. It is a difficult piece, even for an experienced string quartet, and I am amazed at the audacity of a harmonica ensemble to even attempt to play the piece. The ensemble handles the difficult fugues well and only stumbles once in one of the middle transitional sections. The second piece is Invierno Porteño, played here by a trio of harmonicas. The musicality these three put into the piece with such simple instruments is just astounding. If you watch nothing else, watch they way they end the piece starting with Piazzolla's salute to Vivaldi at six minutes into the video.
If you, like me, can't quite get enough of such unexpected artistry, also take a look at this samba.
If the videos do not appear below, click here for Fear and here for Invierno Porteño.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Michelangelo 70 - Trivella Piano Duo
Perhaps there is a touch on the sustain pedal somewhere in this 4-hands-1-piano rendition of Michelangelo 70 by twin brothers, Davide and Daniele Trivella, but it eludes my ears. This is some of the most precise and well synchronized keyboard work you will ever see. Rarely is key release managed as well as it is here by the Trivellas and the result is an energetic and driving version of Michelangelo 70 which makes most other readings of the piece sound almost casual in comparison.
Michelangelo 70 is particularly popular with jazz artists and just misses making the list of the twenty most frequently played Piazzolla compositions. It was written in 1969 or 70 to honor the move of a favorite performance venue, the Michelangelo, to a new location in San Telmo. You can watch Piazzolla and his quintet perform the piece in this video. One might argue that the Ziegler/Ax duo piano version found on the CD, Los Tangueros is closer to the original but I believe the Trivella duo arrangement is more appropriate for piano.
As much as I enjoyed the video, I would have enjoyed it even more if the video editor had been more sparing with the video effects - they detract from the music. Fortunately, you can enjoy the music without the video by buying their CD, One and One - Are One.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Michelangelo 70 is particularly popular with jazz artists and just misses making the list of the twenty most frequently played Piazzolla compositions. It was written in 1969 or 70 to honor the move of a favorite performance venue, the Michelangelo, to a new location in San Telmo. You can watch Piazzolla and his quintet perform the piece in this video. One might argue that the Ziegler/Ax duo piano version found on the CD, Los Tangueros is closer to the original but I believe the Trivella duo arrangement is more appropriate for piano.
As much as I enjoyed the video, I would have enjoyed it even more if the video editor had been more sparing with the video effects - they detract from the music. Fortunately, you can enjoy the music without the video by buying their CD, One and One - Are One.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
November, 2010 Review of Piazzolla Videos
There were 1028 videos of Piazzolla’s music posted on YouTube in the month of November, 2010, an increase of 58% over the same month in 2009. 607 (59%) of the videos were performance videos featuring live performances. The others were videos which used Piazzolla’s music as a sound track for photo or video montages. I highlighted my journey through these many videos in this blog and in Twitter.
Thirty-nine percent of the performance videos were in the classical mode, 15% in jazz, 19% in nuevo tango and 27% in pop.
Here are the most frequently performed pieces this month (Libertango was the most frequently played – 34% of the total; the others follow in order):
1. Libertango
2. Oblivion
3. Adios Nonino
4. La muerte del ángel
5. Invierno Porteño
6. Verano Porteño
7. Primavera Porteña
8. Histoire du tango – Café 1930
9. Balada para un loco
10. Histoire du tango – Nightclub 1960 / Le grand tango (tie)
The top three on this list seem to be fairly stable month-to-month but the bottom seven change every month.
The performance videos came from 55 different countries. Argentina posted the most videos: 94. The top ten posting countries are listed in order here:
1. Argentina
2. USA
3. Italy
4. Spain
5. Brazil
6. Netherlands
7. Russia
8. Japan
9. Germany
10. Mexico
There were nine Piazzolla originals posted. All but one had been previously posted. The new video featured Piazzolla and Julien Clerc in a performance of Balada para un loco.
Quality of performance varied from excellent to bizarre. My choice for Best of the Month is the Pan Am Symphony's performance of Fracanapa. This is just one performance from a full evenings performance which seamlessly integrated a nuevo tango quartet with a chamber orchestra.
The choice for most bizarre this month is a performance of Adios Nonino chosen for its consistent use of avant-garde harmony.
Best Video of the Month
Most Bizarre Video of the Month
I have put a table with links to all 1028 videos as well as some more information on the videos on the November, 2010 page in my Piazzolla on Video website.
Thirty-nine percent of the performance videos were in the classical mode, 15% in jazz, 19% in nuevo tango and 27% in pop.
Here are the most frequently performed pieces this month (Libertango was the most frequently played – 34% of the total; the others follow in order):
1. Libertango
2. Oblivion
3. Adios Nonino
4. La muerte del ángel
5. Invierno Porteño
6. Verano Porteño
7. Primavera Porteña
8. Histoire du tango – Café 1930
9. Balada para un loco
10. Histoire du tango – Nightclub 1960 / Le grand tango (tie)
The top three on this list seem to be fairly stable month-to-month but the bottom seven change every month.
The performance videos came from 55 different countries. Argentina posted the most videos: 94. The top ten posting countries are listed in order here:
1. Argentina
2. USA
3. Italy
4. Spain
5. Brazil
6. Netherlands
7. Russia
8. Japan
9. Germany
10. Mexico
There were nine Piazzolla originals posted. All but one had been previously posted. The new video featured Piazzolla and Julien Clerc in a performance of Balada para un loco.
Quality of performance varied from excellent to bizarre. My choice for Best of the Month is the Pan Am Symphony's performance of Fracanapa. This is just one performance from a full evenings performance which seamlessly integrated a nuevo tango quartet with a chamber orchestra.
The choice for most bizarre this month is a performance of Adios Nonino chosen for its consistent use of avant-garde harmony.
Best Video of the Month
Most Bizarre Video of the Month
I have put a table with links to all 1028 videos as well as some more information on the videos on the November, 2010 page in my Piazzolla on Video website.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Igudesman and Joo
John Malkovich joins the fun with Igudesman & Joo. Be patient, Piazzolla enters the party shorty before the beautiful, naked, Argentinian girl arrives.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Adios Nonino - Eric and Solene Le Van
As a performance of Adios Nonino, today's featured video may not provide the best; but, as a showcase for musical talent, it will be difficult to find better. The musicians are father and daughter: Eric Le Van and his twelve year old daughter Solene. Le Van is an American born pianist, well recognized for his technical talents but perhaps even more so for his interpretive skills. His recordings are limited but his readings of Brahms and Liszt are judged highly by the critics. His destiny, though, may be to become known simply as Solene's dad or Sarah's dad or Sean's dad. The Le Van's are a musical family - a professionally performing musical family whose work can be sampled in this video. The talent in the family appears natural and considerable.
The younger daughter Solene, already a prize winning violinist, is featured in today's video. The video opens with Eric performing the introduction to Adios Nonino which Piazzolla wrote for Dante Amicarelli - one of several pianists who played in Piazzolla's first quintet. Piazzolla wrote at least three piano introductions for Adios Nonino - Amicarelli's is the best known and an extended version of it, known as the Adios Nonino Rhapsody, is sometimes played as an encore piece. In the original Piazzolla recording, found on the famous Trova recording, Amicarelli plays the intro in 2'40" - Le Van adds another thirty seconds of drama in his reading but is otherwise faithful to the original. The following duet portion is original in content and enjoyable but, for me, the real interest arrives 5'45" into the piece when twelve year old Solene volunteers a cadenza, presumably of her own creation. The cadenza is creative, appropriate to the theme and technically well performed. Consistency is always the counter weight to creativity and suffers a bit here but at this stage of her career, the cadenza is a remarkable accomplishment. The father-daughter duo close the piece conventionally leaving this listener anxious to hear more Piazzolla from the pair - perhaps the Histoire du tango series?
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The younger daughter Solene, already a prize winning violinist, is featured in today's video. The video opens with Eric performing the introduction to Adios Nonino which Piazzolla wrote for Dante Amicarelli - one of several pianists who played in Piazzolla's first quintet. Piazzolla wrote at least three piano introductions for Adios Nonino - Amicarelli's is the best known and an extended version of it, known as the Adios Nonino Rhapsody, is sometimes played as an encore piece. In the original Piazzolla recording, found on the famous Trova recording, Amicarelli plays the intro in 2'40" - Le Van adds another thirty seconds of drama in his reading but is otherwise faithful to the original. The following duet portion is original in content and enjoyable but, for me, the real interest arrives 5'45" into the piece when twelve year old Solene volunteers a cadenza, presumably of her own creation. The cadenza is creative, appropriate to the theme and technically well performed. Consistency is always the counter weight to creativity and suffers a bit here but at this stage of her career, the cadenza is a remarkable accomplishment. The father-daughter duo close the piece conventionally leaving this listener anxious to hear more Piazzolla from the pair - perhaps the Histoire du tango series?
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
His Master's Voice
It's cold and quiet but the audience is attentive. The music is good and the video totally captivated me.
The music is Adios Nonino. I don't know the dog's name but the musician is Pablo Corradini. Corradini has appeared in this blog before - he is the bandoneónist for the best tango-rock-fusion band in the world: Oblivion Quartet. The text accompanying the video suggests the evening was boring. I don't think so.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The music is Adios Nonino. I don't know the dog's name but the musician is Pablo Corradini. Corradini has appeared in this blog before - he is the bandoneónist for the best tango-rock-fusion band in the world: Oblivion Quartet. The text accompanying the video suggests the evening was boring. I don't think so.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Libertango - Maresch-Johns-Konzert
The song is definitely Libertango, there are definitely two pianos, but I am not absolutely sure how many pianists there are. I count eleven, but there might be more .. or, there might be less. It is one of the more unusual presentations of Libertango I have seen as pianists come and go throughout the piece.
The event is the 2008, Maresch-Johns concert at the Kunstuniversität Graz in Graz, Austria. This concert series was created in 2000 to honor the memory of pianist and staff member at the University, Barbara Maresch. In 2006, following the untimely death of Klaus Johns, a pianist and tango enthusiast who was a stalwart of the Maresch series, the concerts became the Maresch-Johns-Konzert. The concerts are not your standard piano recital - they are marked by spontaneity and interaction and a wide variety of music, but all focused on the piano. Proceeds from the concerts go to charity.
The unusual jazz arrangement of Libertango in today's video is the work of Uli Rennert - the second pianist you see in the video, the one who hits the piano strings with his hand. I cannot identify the other pianists for sure but a related video of the same arrangement, done in the same rotating pianist style include Rennert and eight other pianists: Almira Emiri, Aris Feslikidis, Zoltan Füzessery, Simona Solce, Claudia Micheletti, Bernd Ludescher, Andreas Woyke, and Helmut Iberer. These same pianists are presumed to be in today's video but by my count, there were two other pianists who joined in - perhaps spontaneously. I have no idea who they are. Perhaps a reader can identify them and add a comment. Such surprises are part of the charm of the Maresch-Johns-Konzert.
The music is a treat. All the pianists are excellent and the transitions were all skillfully done. If this is an example of the quality and character of the Maresch-Johns-Konzert series, the Graz audience is to be envied.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The event is the 2008, Maresch-Johns concert at the Kunstuniversität Graz in Graz, Austria. This concert series was created in 2000 to honor the memory of pianist and staff member at the University, Barbara Maresch. In 2006, following the untimely death of Klaus Johns, a pianist and tango enthusiast who was a stalwart of the Maresch series, the concerts became the Maresch-Johns-Konzert. The concerts are not your standard piano recital - they are marked by spontaneity and interaction and a wide variety of music, but all focused on the piano. Proceeds from the concerts go to charity.
The unusual jazz arrangement of Libertango in today's video is the work of Uli Rennert - the second pianist you see in the video, the one who hits the piano strings with his hand. I cannot identify the other pianists for sure but a related video of the same arrangement, done in the same rotating pianist style include Rennert and eight other pianists: Almira Emiri, Aris Feslikidis, Zoltan Füzessery, Simona Solce, Claudia Micheletti, Bernd Ludescher, Andreas Woyke, and Helmut Iberer. These same pianists are presumed to be in today's video but by my count, there were two other pianists who joined in - perhaps spontaneously. I have no idea who they are. Perhaps a reader can identify them and add a comment. Such surprises are part of the charm of the Maresch-Johns-Konzert.
The music is a treat. All the pianists are excellent and the transitions were all skillfully done. If this is an example of the quality and character of the Maresch-Johns-Konzert series, the Graz audience is to be envied.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
La Muerte del Ángel - One to Five
La muerte del ángel was composed as incidental music for the 1962 play, Tango del ángel, by Alberto Rodriguez Muñoz. It was frequently played by Piazzolla in concert and he recorded it on at least fourteen different occasions. On more than half of those, Pablo Ziegler was the pianist in the recording. Ziegler continues to perform La muerte del ángel providing more than thirty years of continuity to the composition. What follows is a one to five salute to Ziegler's contribution to the work, La muerte del ángel.
One: First comes the man, Pablo Ziegler. He joined Piazzolla's second quintet as it was formed in 1978 and was the pianist for the quintet throughout its existence. According to the Azzi/Collier book, Le Grand Tango, Ziegler was viewed as the outstanding young jazz pianist in Argentina at the time and came highly recommended by Oscar Lopez Ruiz, the initial second quintet guitarist and long time friend of Piazzolla. Ziegler is a talented jazz improviser as well as a disciplined pianist and creative composer. Piazzolla's influence on Ziegler is apparent in his work, for example in the excellent 1998 CD, Asfalto, but I suspect that Ziegler also influenced Piazzolla to incorporate more of the jazz idiom into the performances of the quintet.
Two: While to my knowledge, Ziegler never recorded a solo piano version of La muerte del ángel (I am sure he could and wish he would), he and Emanual Ax did record what has become the gold standard piano duo of the work in the 1997 CD, Los Tangueros. While I do not believe a video of Ziegler and Ax playing La muerte del ángel exists on YouTube, Ziegler's arrangement has been published by Tonos and it is frequently performed by piano duos in concerts all over the world. The arrangement is highly derivative of Piazzolla's original and a fusion of classical and tango styling. Most pianist playing the arrangement perform it in the context of classical music. As an example, I have include below one of the better performances you will find on YouTube by tangopuntodos (Ángel Huidobro Vega and Jorge García Herranz).
Three: Ziegler does, however, appear in a video with a trio format. Joined by Quique Sinesi on guitar and Walter Castro on bandoneón, the trio version opens in nuevo tango mode but around the 2'30" point, the group loosens and enters a not particularly inspired improvisational section before returning to the "original" at 3'45". You can hear more of this trio in the 2005 CD, Bajo Cero.
Four: More recently, Ziegler along with Hector del Curto on bandoneón, Claudio Ragazzi on guitar and Pedro Giraudo on contrabass provided a quartet arrangement of La muerte del ángel at the 2009, Fujitsu Jazz Festival in San Francisco. Once again, improvisation enters at about 2'30" but this time extends for a full two minutes. In contrast to the trio, the musicians in the quartet enhance the music with the improvisational skills - Ziegler is particularly on his game in this performance. To my knowledge, this quartet has, unfortunately, not yet produced any recordings.
Five: For Ziegler in a quintet performance of La muerte del ángel, we turn to Piazzolla's quintet performing the work at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 1984. Ziegler and Piazzolla are joined by other quintet members Oscar Lopez Ruiz on guitar, Fernando Suarez Paz on violin, and Hector Console on bass. This performance is available on both DVD and CD and represents one of the peaks of the second quintet's success.
Interestingly, a similar "one to five" overview of Ziegler's work may be on the way to a stage near you. He has scheduled performances in New York City on April 23, 2011 and in Sacramento, California on April 29th which are described with these words on the Ziegler website, "Pablo Ziegler Beyond Tango progresses from piano duo, through trio, quartet, quintet and finally larger chamber ensemble." Let's hope the videographers bring the concert to YouTube or, better yet, to a DVD.
If the videos do not appear in the above, click here for the piano duo; here for the trio; here for the quartet; and here for the quintet.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
One: First comes the man, Pablo Ziegler. He joined Piazzolla's second quintet as it was formed in 1978 and was the pianist for the quintet throughout its existence. According to the Azzi/Collier book, Le Grand Tango, Ziegler was viewed as the outstanding young jazz pianist in Argentina at the time and came highly recommended by Oscar Lopez Ruiz, the initial second quintet guitarist and long time friend of Piazzolla. Ziegler is a talented jazz improviser as well as a disciplined pianist and creative composer. Piazzolla's influence on Ziegler is apparent in his work, for example in the excellent 1998 CD, Asfalto, but I suspect that Ziegler also influenced Piazzolla to incorporate more of the jazz idiom into the performances of the quintet.
Two: While to my knowledge, Ziegler never recorded a solo piano version of La muerte del ángel (I am sure he could and wish he would), he and Emanual Ax did record what has become the gold standard piano duo of the work in the 1997 CD, Los Tangueros. While I do not believe a video of Ziegler and Ax playing La muerte del ángel exists on YouTube, Ziegler's arrangement has been published by Tonos and it is frequently performed by piano duos in concerts all over the world. The arrangement is highly derivative of Piazzolla's original and a fusion of classical and tango styling. Most pianist playing the arrangement perform it in the context of classical music. As an example, I have include below one of the better performances you will find on YouTube by tangopuntodos (Ángel Huidobro Vega and Jorge García Herranz).
Three: Ziegler does, however, appear in a video with a trio format. Joined by Quique Sinesi on guitar and Walter Castro on bandoneón, the trio version opens in nuevo tango mode but around the 2'30" point, the group loosens and enters a not particularly inspired improvisational section before returning to the "original" at 3'45". You can hear more of this trio in the 2005 CD, Bajo Cero.
Four: More recently, Ziegler along with Hector del Curto on bandoneón, Claudio Ragazzi on guitar and Pedro Giraudo on contrabass provided a quartet arrangement of La muerte del ángel at the 2009, Fujitsu Jazz Festival in San Francisco. Once again, improvisation enters at about 2'30" but this time extends for a full two minutes. In contrast to the trio, the musicians in the quartet enhance the music with the improvisational skills - Ziegler is particularly on his game in this performance. To my knowledge, this quartet has, unfortunately, not yet produced any recordings.
Five: For Ziegler in a quintet performance of La muerte del ángel, we turn to Piazzolla's quintet performing the work at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 1984. Ziegler and Piazzolla are joined by other quintet members Oscar Lopez Ruiz on guitar, Fernando Suarez Paz on violin, and Hector Console on bass. This performance is available on both DVD and CD and represents one of the peaks of the second quintet's success.
Interestingly, a similar "one to five" overview of Ziegler's work may be on the way to a stage near you. He has scheduled performances in New York City on April 23, 2011 and in Sacramento, California on April 29th which are described with these words on the Ziegler website, "Pablo Ziegler Beyond Tango progresses from piano duo, through trio, quartet, quintet and finally larger chamber ensemble." Let's hope the videographers bring the concert to YouTube or, better yet, to a DVD.
If the videos do not appear in the above, click here for the piano duo; here for the trio; here for the quartet; and here for the quintet.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Bordel 1900 - Marc Grauwals & Astoria
Today's video features flute player Marc Grauwals as a guest with the tango quintet, Astoria, playing Bordel 1900 as arranged by Astoria accordionist, Christophe Delporte. Grauwals has a special relationship to this piece. Piazzolla dedicated his Histoire du tango series (Bordel 1900 is the first in that series) to Grauwals; Grauwals premiered the piece in 1985 with guitarist, Guy Lukowski; and, later that same year made the first recording of it, again with Lukowski, on a Teldec lp. That performance, which is still available on the reissue CD, Hommage à Liège, remains today the definitive performance of the Histoire series.
Today's performance is quite different from that of 1985 - you notice it almost immediately with the sound of a police whistle joining that of the flute on the fourth note of the piece. And then it gets really interesting. The melody moves around, percussion adds tasteful highlights, the piece bobs and weaves and then comes home with a smile. The Histoire series were written for flute and guitar but have been arranged for many combinations of instruments including full orchestra. Delporte's arrangement is the best, by far, of any transmutation of the guitar/flute combination to another set of instruments I have ever heard. The musicians are spectacularly good but the arrangement is a work of true creative genius. You will find this Bordel 1900 and the other three sections of the Histoire on Astoria's new CD, Histoire Du Tango. This is the third Astoria recording devoted to the music of Piazzolla (Tiempo del Angel in 2006 and Adios Nonino in 2008 were the first two). Astoria has never sought to duplicate the quintet sound of Piazzolla but have always been true to the spirit and foundations of the music. With each released recording, they have become a little more free with their interpretations and now have a voice which is unique in the Piazzolla world. And it is a voice which deserves repeated listening.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Today's performance is quite different from that of 1985 - you notice it almost immediately with the sound of a police whistle joining that of the flute on the fourth note of the piece. And then it gets really interesting. The melody moves around, percussion adds tasteful highlights, the piece bobs and weaves and then comes home with a smile. The Histoire series were written for flute and guitar but have been arranged for many combinations of instruments including full orchestra. Delporte's arrangement is the best, by far, of any transmutation of the guitar/flute combination to another set of instruments I have ever heard. The musicians are spectacularly good but the arrangement is a work of true creative genius. You will find this Bordel 1900 and the other three sections of the Histoire on Astoria's new CD, Histoire Du Tango. This is the third Astoria recording devoted to the music of Piazzolla (Tiempo del Angel in 2006 and Adios Nonino in 2008 were the first two). Astoria has never sought to duplicate the quintet sound of Piazzolla but have always been true to the spirit and foundations of the music. With each released recording, they have become a little more free with their interpretations and now have a voice which is unique in the Piazzolla world. And it is a voice which deserves repeated listening.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
October, 2010 Review of Piazzolla Videos
There were 971 videos of Piazzolla’s music posted on YouTube in the month of October, 2010, an increase of 74% over the same month in 2009. 548 (56%) of the videos were performance videos featuring live performances. The others were videos which used Piazzolla’s music as a sound track for photo or video montages. I highlighted my journey through these many videos in this blog.
Forty-five percent of the performance videos were in the classical mode, 13% in jazz, 14% in nuevo tango and 28% in pop.
Here are the most frequently performed pieces this month (Libertango was the most frequently played – 30% of the total; the others follow in order):
1. Libertango
2. Oblivion
3. Adios Nonino
4. Histoire du tango – Bordel 1900
5. Invierno Porteño
6. Verano Porteño
7. La muerte del ángel
8. Chiquilin de Bachin
9. Balada para un loco
10. Milonga del ángel
The top three on this list seem to be fairly stable month-to-month but the bottom seven change every month.
The performance videos came from 54 different countries. Argentina posted the most videos: 92. The top ten posting countries are listed in order here:
1. Argentina
2. Italy
3. USA
4. Japan
5. Spain
6. Russia
7. Germany
8. France
9. Brazil
10. Canada, Netherlands, Ukraine (tie)
There were twenty-one Piazzolla originals posted. Thirteen of these have been previously posted but the others appeared on YouTube for the first time. They included seven segments of a documentary film and a version of the original Libertango played by Piazzolla and studio musicians, including his son Daniel and his producer, Aldo Pagani. . There was also an audio-only interview with Piazzolla which I believe is new to YouTube.
Quality of performance varied from excellent to bizarre. Because of its historical importance, my favorite of the month was the Piazzolla original performance of Libertango.
The choice for most bizarre this month is an instructional video on the harvesting of underwater spaghetti which uses Gotan Project's version of Cité Tango as a sound track.
I have put a table with links to all 971 videos as well as some more information on the videos on the October, 2010 link in my Piazzolla on Video website.
Best video of the month:
Most Bizarre video of the month:
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Forty-five percent of the performance videos were in the classical mode, 13% in jazz, 14% in nuevo tango and 28% in pop.
Here are the most frequently performed pieces this month (Libertango was the most frequently played – 30% of the total; the others follow in order):
1. Libertango
2. Oblivion
3. Adios Nonino
4. Histoire du tango – Bordel 1900
5. Invierno Porteño
6. Verano Porteño
7. La muerte del ángel
8. Chiquilin de Bachin
9. Balada para un loco
10. Milonga del ángel
The top three on this list seem to be fairly stable month-to-month but the bottom seven change every month.
The performance videos came from 54 different countries. Argentina posted the most videos: 92. The top ten posting countries are listed in order here:
1. Argentina
2. Italy
3. USA
4. Japan
5. Spain
6. Russia
7. Germany
8. France
9. Brazil
10. Canada, Netherlands, Ukraine (tie)
There were twenty-one Piazzolla originals posted. Thirteen of these have been previously posted but the others appeared on YouTube for the first time. They included seven segments of a documentary film and a version of the original Libertango played by Piazzolla and studio musicians, including his son Daniel and his producer, Aldo Pagani. . There was also an audio-only interview with Piazzolla which I believe is new to YouTube.
Quality of performance varied from excellent to bizarre. Because of its historical importance, my favorite of the month was the Piazzolla original performance of Libertango.
The choice for most bizarre this month is an instructional video on the harvesting of underwater spaghetti which uses Gotan Project's version of Cité Tango as a sound track.
I have put a table with links to all 971 videos as well as some more information on the videos on the October, 2010 link in my Piazzolla on Video website.
Best video of the month:
Most Bizarre video of the month:
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Balada para un loco - Julien Clerc
I believe today's video of Piazzolla accompanying Julien Clerc in a performance of Balada para un loco (Ballade pour un fou) is new to YouTube. The video is apparently from a French television broadcast and is probably from 1974 or 1975. According to an impressive Clerc discography, Etienne Roda-Gil created French lyrics for Loco in 1974, and Clerc released the song as a 45 rpm single which spent several weeks on the French hit parade. His cover of the song was an important opening for Piazzolla into the European music market and biographies of Piazzolla frequently contain a quote along the line of, "Libertango has been recorded by such famous artists as Julien Clerc, Grace Jones and Yo-yo Ma." Clerc still retains Loco in his repertoire: a relatively recent (and better) performance with Richard Galliano on the bandoneón can be seen here.
To my knowledge, Piazzolla never made a studio recording of the song with Clerc - this video may be the only example of the two of them together. In contrast to some of the Italian television video, I believe the music is performed live here. Piazzolla, who looks a bit uncomfortable in the video, glances a couple of times to his right as if picking up cues from an orchestra and at one point rotates his bandoneón to place the treble face adjacent to the microphone for a short bandoneón solo. But the star of this show is very much Julien Clerc and the camera does not spend much time on Piazzolla.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
To my knowledge, Piazzolla never made a studio recording of the song with Clerc - this video may be the only example of the two of them together. In contrast to some of the Italian television video, I believe the music is performed live here. Piazzolla, who looks a bit uncomfortable in the video, glances a couple of times to his right as if picking up cues from an orchestra and at one point rotates his bandoneón to place the treble face adjacent to the microphone for a short bandoneón solo. But the star of this show is very much Julien Clerc and the camera does not spend much time on Piazzolla.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Bordel 1900 - The Fourth Wall Ensemble
It took more than one conceptual leap to create the Fourth Wall Ensemble's version of Bordel 1900. First they converted a piece composed originally for a flute and guitar duo into a trio for flute, bass trombone and accordion. Then they choreographed a dance, not an early twentieth century tango, as one might suppose, but something that "Professor" Harold Hill or Busby Berkeley might create if they had heard of the tango but never actually saw it danced. And, finally, instead of hiring a dance troupe, they do the dance themselves while playing. And, remarkably, they do it without missing a note or a step. The final result is a new and different and totally delightful production of Bordel 1900. These folks know how to generate a smile.
The members of Fourth Wall are Hilary Abigana on flute, C. Neil Parsons on bass trombone, and Greg Jukes on accordion (although percussion is his usual assignment). In addition to the trombone work, Parsons also provides the choreography for the group. Their website refers to the group as a "hybrid arts ensemble" combining the roles of musician, dancer and actor - a good description of what they do. You can see more of their work on their YouTube Channel.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The members of Fourth Wall are Hilary Abigana on flute, C. Neil Parsons on bass trombone, and Greg Jukes on accordion (although percussion is his usual assignment). In addition to the trombone work, Parsons also provides the choreography for the group. Their website refers to the group as a "hybrid arts ensemble" combining the roles of musician, dancer and actor - a good description of what they do. You can see more of their work on their YouTube Channel.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Milonga Loca - Tanguedia Quintet
Is it live, or is it Memorex? Apologies to those too young or too distant from American television of the 70's to remember that commercial but the Tanguedia Quintet is Memorex to Piazzolla's Quintet. Tanguedia provides a very authentic reconstruction of the sound of the original quintet, perhaps the most authentic available today. In today's featured video they perform Milonga Loca.
The group is from Finland, a country second only to Argentina in dedication to the tango. They were formed in 2007 and in 2008, won the annual Piazzolla competition in Lanciano, Italy. Members of the group are Henrik Sandås on bandoneón, Suvi Ainali on violin, Jani Kivelä on guitar, Iikka Kotaja on piano and Olli Rantala on double bass. Their first album, Tanguedia Quintet LIVE: The New Tango of Astor Piazzolla met critical success and they just recently released a new album, Tango Querido, in which they are joined by vocalist, Angelika Klas. Unfortunately, you may have to travel to Finland to buy those recordings - I don't find them anywhere on-line (memo to Tanguedia: iTunes).
Milonga Loca is one of three Piazzolla performances posted on YouTube this week by the Tanguedia Quintet - the other two are Yo soy Maria (which includes a superb vocal by Ms. Klas) and La muerte del angel. I picked Milonga Loca only because it is the least often heard of the three. Milonga Loca was originally composed as part of the soundtrack for the movie, El exilio de Gardel: Tangos, with the working title of Tanguedia II. By the time the sound track was issued as a recording in 1984, the new title had been chosen although, curiously, Tanguedia III from the same sound track never received a new title. Piazzolla recorded the piece only one other time: for the Kip Hanrahan produced album, Tango: Zero Hour. The version in today's video more closely resembles the latter which is a little crisper and a little more challenging to the listener than the original version.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The group is from Finland, a country second only to Argentina in dedication to the tango. They were formed in 2007 and in 2008, won the annual Piazzolla competition in Lanciano, Italy. Members of the group are Henrik Sandås on bandoneón, Suvi Ainali on violin, Jani Kivelä on guitar, Iikka Kotaja on piano and Olli Rantala on double bass. Their first album, Tanguedia Quintet LIVE: The New Tango of Astor Piazzolla met critical success and they just recently released a new album, Tango Querido, in which they are joined by vocalist, Angelika Klas. Unfortunately, you may have to travel to Finland to buy those recordings - I don't find them anywhere on-line (memo to Tanguedia: iTunes).
Milonga Loca is one of three Piazzolla performances posted on YouTube this week by the Tanguedia Quintet - the other two are Yo soy Maria (which includes a superb vocal by Ms. Klas) and La muerte del angel. I picked Milonga Loca only because it is the least often heard of the three. Milonga Loca was originally composed as part of the soundtrack for the movie, El exilio de Gardel: Tangos, with the working title of Tanguedia II. By the time the sound track was issued as a recording in 1984, the new title had been chosen although, curiously, Tanguedia III from the same sound track never received a new title. Piazzolla recorded the piece only one other time: for the Kip Hanrahan produced album, Tango: Zero Hour. The version in today's video more closely resembles the latter which is a little crisper and a little more challenging to the listener than the original version.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Piazzolla and Medvedev
Dmitry Medvedev, the current Russian President, is captured in today's video enjoying a performance of Piazzolla's Libertango by the Duet Sheridans. The occasion was a concert to celebrate Defender's Day which is celebrated every February 23rd across the former Soviet Union to honor their military forces.
The Duet Sheridans are Taisiya Panin and Svetlana Starostin, both classically trained violinists, who have chosen to pursue the ruble in the spirit of Bond - the English/Australian electric string quartet who combine good music with sex appeal. Today's video has incorporated clips from other Duet Sheridans' appearances which makes viewing a bit confusing but it does show the "real" Duet Sheridans. The actual concert contained only the dancers, the acrobats and the two military clad Sheridans. You can view the actual concert which includes Medvedev at the opening and closing of the video but without the added clips here.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The Duet Sheridans are Taisiya Panin and Svetlana Starostin, both classically trained violinists, who have chosen to pursue the ruble in the spirit of Bond - the English/Australian electric string quartet who combine good music with sex appeal. Today's video has incorporated clips from other Duet Sheridans' appearances which makes viewing a bit confusing but it does show the "real" Duet Sheridans. The actual concert contained only the dancers, the acrobats and the two military clad Sheridans. You can view the actual concert which includes Medvedev at the opening and closing of the video but without the added clips here.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Friday, October 15, 2010
September, 2010 Review of Piazzolla Videos
There were 742 videos of Piazzolla’s music posted on YouTube in the month of September, 2010, an increase of 56% over September, 2009. 475 (64%) of the videos were performance videos featuring live performances. The others were videos which used Piazzolla’s music as a sound track for dancing or photo/video montages. I highlighted my journey through these many videos in this blog.
Forty-three percent of the performance videos were in the classical mode, 16% in jazz, 20% in nuevo tango and 21% in pop.
Here are the most frequently performed pieces this month (Libertango was the most frequently played – 33% of the total; the others follow in order):
1. Libertango
2. Oblivion
3. Adios Nonino
4. Verano Porteño
5. Invierno Porteño
6. La muerte del angel
7. Histoire du tango - Cafè 1930
8. Primavera Porteña
9. Milonga del angel
10. Histoire du tango - Bordel 1900
The top three on this list seem to be fairly stable month-to-month but the bottom seven change every month. Eighty-six different compositions were covered in the videos this month.
The performance videos came from 56 different countries. Argentina posted the most videos: 86. The top ten posting countries are listed in order here:
1. Argentina
2. Italy
3. USA
4. Spain
5. Japan
6. Brazil
7. Germany
8. France
9. Russia
10. Taiwan
There were five Piazzolla original performances posted. All but one have been previously posted. The new video was a performance of Moderato tangabile.
Quality of performance varied from excellent to bizarre. My choice for best of the month is the performance by Piazzolla of Moderato tangabile. If that video does not appear below, click here.
The choice for most bizarre this month is a knife diver version of Libertango. If that video does not appear below, click here.
I have put a table with links to all 742 videos as well as some more information on the videos on the September, 2010 link in my Piazzolla on Video website.
Best video of the month:
Most bizarre video of the month:
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Forty-three percent of the performance videos were in the classical mode, 16% in jazz, 20% in nuevo tango and 21% in pop.
Here are the most frequently performed pieces this month (Libertango was the most frequently played – 33% of the total; the others follow in order):
1. Libertango
2. Oblivion
3. Adios Nonino
4. Verano Porteño
5. Invierno Porteño
6. La muerte del angel
7. Histoire du tango - Cafè 1930
8. Primavera Porteña
9. Milonga del angel
10. Histoire du tango - Bordel 1900
The top three on this list seem to be fairly stable month-to-month but the bottom seven change every month. Eighty-six different compositions were covered in the videos this month.
The performance videos came from 56 different countries. Argentina posted the most videos: 86. The top ten posting countries are listed in order here:
1. Argentina
2. Italy
3. USA
4. Spain
5. Japan
6. Brazil
7. Germany
8. France
9. Russia
10. Taiwan
There were five Piazzolla original performances posted. All but one have been previously posted. The new video was a performance of Moderato tangabile.
Quality of performance varied from excellent to bizarre. My choice for best of the month is the performance by Piazzolla of Moderato tangabile. If that video does not appear below, click here.
The choice for most bizarre this month is a knife diver version of Libertango. If that video does not appear below, click here.
I have put a table with links to all 742 videos as well as some more information on the videos on the September, 2010 link in my Piazzolla on Video website.
Best video of the month:
Most bizarre video of the month:
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Libertango - Astor Piazzolla
I believe today's video of Astor Piazzolla performing Libertango is new to YouTube. The video, which I assume comes from Italian television - probably from 1974, shows Piazzolla and six accompanying musicians performing the original version of Libertango. In fact, I believe the sound track in the video is exactly the same as in the initial Carusello LP while Piazzolla and the others are syncing a performance in the studio for the visual part of the broadcast. Since Libertango went on to become Piazzolla's most performed composition (roughly one third of all Piazzolla performances on YouTube are of Libertango), this video is an important part of the video history of Piazzolla's music.
Libertango was composed in 1974, as one of seven short instrumental pieces aimed at radio play and commercial success. According to the Azzi/Collier book, Le Grand Tango, Piazzolla once joked to his son, Daniel, that "inventing the titles ... was harder than writing the music." The other titles from that set are Meditango, Undertango, Violentango, Novitango, Amerlitango and Tristango. The pieces were recorded in a Milano studio with studio musicians - some of whom are probably in today's video. Based on notes from the CD reissue of the original album, the musicians in the video may be: Gianni Zioli on marimba, Hugo Heredia or Gianni Baiocco on flute, Giuseppe Prestipino on bass guitar, Filippo Dacco on guitar, Tulio de Piscopo or Andrea Poggi on percussion. The sixth musician appears to be playing a synthesizer and there is no synthesizer player listed on the album notes. That musician looks a bit like young Daniel Piazzolla to me. Could it be?
Note added 14 October, 2010 after initial publication: Sergio López, an active member of Piazzolla.org, has noted that the marimba/xylophone player is not Gianni Zioli but is actually Aldo Pagani - the producer of the original Libertango album. That is very curious.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Libertango was composed in 1974, as one of seven short instrumental pieces aimed at radio play and commercial success. According to the Azzi/Collier book, Le Grand Tango, Piazzolla once joked to his son, Daniel, that "inventing the titles ... was harder than writing the music." The other titles from that set are Meditango, Undertango, Violentango, Novitango, Amerlitango and Tristango. The pieces were recorded in a Milano studio with studio musicians - some of whom are probably in today's video. Based on notes from the CD reissue of the original album, the musicians in the video may be: Gianni Zioli on marimba, Hugo Heredia or Gianni Baiocco on flute, Giuseppe Prestipino on bass guitar, Filippo Dacco on guitar, Tulio de Piscopo or Andrea Poggi on percussion. The sixth musician appears to be playing a synthesizer and there is no synthesizer player listed on the album notes. That musician looks a bit like young Daniel Piazzolla to me. Could it be?
Note added 14 October, 2010 after initial publication: Sergio López, an active member of Piazzolla.org, has noted that the marimba/xylophone player is not Gianni Zioli but is actually Aldo Pagani - the producer of the original Libertango album. That is very curious.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Café 1930 - Bouchakour Brothers
Is there a path from Algiers to Carnegie Hall? If not, there should be and these two young musicians should be on it. Today's video features two brothers, Massine Bouchakour on flute and Walid Bouchakour on guitar. They provide an absolute classic version of Café 1930 from Piazzolla's Histoire du tango in the video.
The Histoire du tango series were composed in 1985 and dedicated to the Belgian flute player, Marc Grauwels, who premiered them. They represents some of the most often performed Piazzolla compositions. Café 1930 is the seventh most frequently performed Piazzolla composition. It has been played on a large variety of instrumental combinations but the Bouchakour's provide it here as Piazzolla composed it: for flute and guitar.
I can find very little information about the Bouchakours. I do not know if they have formal training or are just skilled natural musicians but I suspect the former. The format of the video is deceptively simple and the quality of the audio mix is very good given the surroundings but the reason this video is featured is just the sheer musicality of the presentation. The two play as one - synchronization is perfect. The vibrato on the flute is just right - it highlights the emotional content of the music and never intrudes on the music. The guitar work is amazingly done - excellent technique (note the glissando's) - each note stands on its own. And, wonderfully, these young men do not rush - they let the music flow in a way that does suggest a casual 1930's evening in a café in San Telmo.
I don't know if the Bouchakour brothers have been discovered or not but this is a brotherly talent similar to that of the Assad's and they deserve an equal amount of recognition and success. I hope to see them in Carnegie Hall soon.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The Histoire du tango series were composed in 1985 and dedicated to the Belgian flute player, Marc Grauwels, who premiered them. They represents some of the most often performed Piazzolla compositions. Café 1930 is the seventh most frequently performed Piazzolla composition. It has been played on a large variety of instrumental combinations but the Bouchakour's provide it here as Piazzolla composed it: for flute and guitar.
I can find very little information about the Bouchakours. I do not know if they have formal training or are just skilled natural musicians but I suspect the former. The format of the video is deceptively simple and the quality of the audio mix is very good given the surroundings but the reason this video is featured is just the sheer musicality of the presentation. The two play as one - synchronization is perfect. The vibrato on the flute is just right - it highlights the emotional content of the music and never intrudes on the music. The guitar work is amazingly done - excellent technique (note the glissando's) - each note stands on its own. And, wonderfully, these young men do not rush - they let the music flow in a way that does suggest a casual 1930's evening in a café in San Telmo.
I don't know if the Bouchakour brothers have been discovered or not but this is a brotherly talent similar to that of the Assad's and they deserve an equal amount of recognition and success. I hope to see them in Carnegie Hall soon.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Three Thousand Year Old Bandoneón
Really? A three thousand year old bandoneón? Well, no. But it is a modern version of the three thousand year old precursor to the bandoneón: the Chinese sheng. And since today's featured video of Libertango comes from Korea, the instrument might actually be a saenghwang, the Korean version of the sheng. Regular readers of this blog may recall an earlier posting which featured the saenghwang with an ensemble of traditional Korean instruments. Today's video places the instrument in a western, classical context.
This is a performance to watch and enjoy rather than to read about in this blog since there is very little information in the video and Google Translate does not do a very good job of converting the Korean to understandable English. I believe the performer is Hyo Kim and the performance is part of an Artists Festival held at the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex. You can see the announcement of the performance here and if you read Korean, you can read a little about the performer in that announcement.
Unlike the earlier saenghwang video posting, you get a good view of the instrument in today's video. That view suggests that the instrument is a current version of the keyed sheng rather than a saenghwang. Such instruments are often cited as the precursor to the harmonica, the concertina, the bandoneón and the family of accordion-like instruments. While the sheng is roughly 3,000 years old, the bandoneón was "invented" in the mid nineteenth century so the evolutionary process was slow. The resemblance between the two instruments is limited to the fact that they both use free reeds (as opposed to a single or beating reed as found on clarinets or a double reed as found on an oboe) and that the air is collected in a chamber before it gets to the reed.
The version of Libertango is a straight forward, classically oriented performance with the backing of a fine, but unnamed, string quartet. The saenghwang/sheng does not really get a chance to show its full capability in the video. If you want to view a more virtuosic performance by Hyo Kim, I suggest you watch this video or some of the others posted on the StudioZin YouTube channel.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
This is a performance to watch and enjoy rather than to read about in this blog since there is very little information in the video and Google Translate does not do a very good job of converting the Korean to understandable English. I believe the performer is Hyo Kim and the performance is part of an Artists Festival held at the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex. You can see the announcement of the performance here and if you read Korean, you can read a little about the performer in that announcement.
Unlike the earlier saenghwang video posting, you get a good view of the instrument in today's video. That view suggests that the instrument is a current version of the keyed sheng rather than a saenghwang. Such instruments are often cited as the precursor to the harmonica, the concertina, the bandoneón and the family of accordion-like instruments. While the sheng is roughly 3,000 years old, the bandoneón was "invented" in the mid nineteenth century so the evolutionary process was slow. The resemblance between the two instruments is limited to the fact that they both use free reeds (as opposed to a single or beating reed as found on clarinets or a double reed as found on an oboe) and that the air is collected in a chamber before it gets to the reed.
The version of Libertango is a straight forward, classically oriented performance with the backing of a fine, but unnamed, string quartet. The saenghwang/sheng does not really get a chance to show its full capability in the video. If you want to view a more virtuosic performance by Hyo Kim, I suggest you watch this video or some of the others posted on the StudioZin YouTube channel.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tango Apasionado - Oblivion Quartet
May I introduce the best Piazzolla rock band in the world? Please meet the Oblivion Quartet from Fermo, Italy, playing Tango Apasionado in today's featured video. These guys are hardcore. Not hardcore rock - hardcore Piazzolla. It is not unusual to find a rock band slamming out a version of Libertango but the odds of such a band having ever heard of Tango Apasionado much less playing it is nil. Not only does this band play Tango Apasionado, their MySpace page indicates that they have a new CD on the way which contains ten Piazzolla compositions.
Tango Apasionado is the primary theme from the musical drama by that same title which Piazzolla created in 1987, around two short stories written by Jorge Luis Borges. Pablo Zinger was the musical director for the production which had a short but successful run in New York City. Unfortunately, unresolved disputes with the Borges estate and perhaps the loss of the original musical manuscripts have prevented the work from being revived. Fortunately, much of the instrumental music survives through the excellent Kip Hanrahan produced CD, The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night.
The Oblivion Quartet actually refer to themselves as a tango-rock-fusion band which is a better description than just rock. They play a lot better than they count because their quartet contains five members: Pablo Corradini on bandoneón, Ezio Testa and Daniele de Santis on guitar, Alberto Castagna on bass guitar and Roberto Marzialetti on drums. This is not a garage band; these are highly skilled, disciplined musicians working with a thoughtfully created arrangement of Tango Apasionado. They open in a foreboding mood - bandoneón on the theme, quiet guitar on counterpoint, a heartbeat from the drum - and build to a classic stadium rock conclusion with a heavily processed guitar shred solo wailing over the band. The Oblivion Quartet has brought something new and interesting to the world of Piazzolla and I am anxious to hear more.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Tango Apasionado is the primary theme from the musical drama by that same title which Piazzolla created in 1987, around two short stories written by Jorge Luis Borges. Pablo Zinger was the musical director for the production which had a short but successful run in New York City. Unfortunately, unresolved disputes with the Borges estate and perhaps the loss of the original musical manuscripts have prevented the work from being revived. Fortunately, much of the instrumental music survives through the excellent Kip Hanrahan produced CD, The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night.
The Oblivion Quartet actually refer to themselves as a tango-rock-fusion band which is a better description than just rock. They play a lot better than they count because their quartet contains five members: Pablo Corradini on bandoneón, Ezio Testa and Daniele de Santis on guitar, Alberto Castagna on bass guitar and Roberto Marzialetti on drums. This is not a garage band; these are highly skilled, disciplined musicians working with a thoughtfully created arrangement of Tango Apasionado. They open in a foreboding mood - bandoneón on the theme, quiet guitar on counterpoint, a heartbeat from the drum - and build to a classic stadium rock conclusion with a heavily processed guitar shred solo wailing over the band. The Oblivion Quartet has brought something new and interesting to the world of Piazzolla and I am anxious to hear more.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Libertango - Gorilla Orchestra
If you are fortunate, perhaps once in your lifetime the door will be opened for you to an experience like the one in today's video. A tiny bar. Four customers. Two musicians until the bartender pulls out his violin and starts to play. It's hot and smokey but the music is so real, it will return in your dreams. It could be anywhere in the world but this one is quintessentially in Japan - perhaps not the most likely spot in the world to find a beautiful young woman playing the bandoneón (and playing it well) but that is part of the charm of the video.
Google translates the title on the video to something like Gorilla Orchestra Libertango 2010. I wish I knew more, but I don't.
There is a second video, perhaps even more evocative, of Por una cabeza. Please watch it also and enjoy the "yaaaahs".
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Google translates the title on the video to something like Gorilla Orchestra Libertango 2010. I wish I knew more, but I don't.
There is a second video, perhaps even more evocative, of Por una cabeza. Please watch it also and enjoy the "yaaaahs".
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Libertango - Jazz Trio
Today's video is not a jazz trio playing Libertango as the title suggests, it is actually a trio of jazz performances - each different, each interesting.
The first is by the Joel Tortul Trio from Argentina. Tortul is very creative, driving pianist who backs off just enough once in a while to ease the tension. Supported by sidemen Diego Ferreyra on contrabass and Pablo Rodriguez on percussion, his jazz is on the hot side but retains a thread of tango. If you enjoy their music, the trio has a new CD, Punta Vivo and you can find more of their music on elsuricataful's YouTube channel.
The second is by the Eriko Hagiwara Quintet from Japan. Their jazz is far cooler than that of Tortul, almost mellow except for a few bursts of energy here and there to lift the crowd from their revery. That is Eriko Hagiwara, a master of syncopation, on the piano (she also does vocals but not on this video). She is a gifted jazz pianist. She is joined by Haruna Fukazawa on flute, Yohta Syohji on guitar, Mikami Yoshimi on bass and Kawano Naohiro on drums. I believe the performance is from an August 30, 2010 appearance at the Satin Doll in the Roppongi district of Tokyo but it would be welcomed at any jazz club anywhere in the world - these guys are good.
The third is by the Mala Junta Trio, regulars at the Harlem Jazz Club in Barcelona but found here busking in Parc Güell. The bass guitar player has some technical problems with his instrument but even without the bass in the early part of the video, it is clear that we have a third contrasting jazz style. These young musicians, all originally from Argentina, play swing jazz with a tinge of Gypsy in the swing. The musicians are Germán Prieto and Lucas Turquié on guitars and Roy Apartin on bass. Do a search for Mala Junta on YouTube and you will find some wonderful examples of this swing jazz trio. They have a CD on the way - I hope they get international distribution and don't just sell it in the park.
Do you want to pick a favorite?
If the videos don't appear below, click here for Tortul, here for Hagiwara and here for Mala Junta.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The first is by the Joel Tortul Trio from Argentina. Tortul is very creative, driving pianist who backs off just enough once in a while to ease the tension. Supported by sidemen Diego Ferreyra on contrabass and Pablo Rodriguez on percussion, his jazz is on the hot side but retains a thread of tango. If you enjoy their music, the trio has a new CD, Punta Vivo and you can find more of their music on elsuricataful's YouTube channel.
The second is by the Eriko Hagiwara Quintet from Japan. Their jazz is far cooler than that of Tortul, almost mellow except for a few bursts of energy here and there to lift the crowd from their revery. That is Eriko Hagiwara, a master of syncopation, on the piano (she also does vocals but not on this video). She is a gifted jazz pianist. She is joined by Haruna Fukazawa on flute, Yohta Syohji on guitar, Mikami Yoshimi on bass and Kawano Naohiro on drums. I believe the performance is from an August 30, 2010 appearance at the Satin Doll in the Roppongi district of Tokyo but it would be welcomed at any jazz club anywhere in the world - these guys are good.
The third is by the Mala Junta Trio, regulars at the Harlem Jazz Club in Barcelona but found here busking in Parc Güell. The bass guitar player has some technical problems with his instrument but even without the bass in the early part of the video, it is clear that we have a third contrasting jazz style. These young musicians, all originally from Argentina, play swing jazz with a tinge of Gypsy in the swing. The musicians are Germán Prieto and Lucas Turquié on guitars and Roy Apartin on bass. Do a search for Mala Junta on YouTube and you will find some wonderful examples of this swing jazz trio. They have a CD on the way - I hope they get international distribution and don't just sell it in the park.
Do you want to pick a favorite?
If the videos don't appear below, click here for Tortul, here for Hagiwara and here for Mala Junta.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Contrabajísimo - Sverre Indris Joner
The first rule in arranging music is "start with a good piece of music." I don't know what the other rules are but Sverre Indris Joner met the first rule and all of the others with his orchestral arrangement of Contrabajísimo which is featured in today's video. Contrabajísimo was composed in 1984, in honor of contrabassist, Héctor Console, a member of Piazzolla's second quintet. It is one of the longer, over eleven minutes long in the original, and more serious pieces composed by Piazzolla. Some would even say, it is the best piece composed by Piazzolla. The Azzi/Collier book, Le Grand Tango, reports that Contrabajísimo sounded from the cemetary's speakers as Piazzolla's coffin was taken to its final resting place at the Jardin de Paz, the only piece of his music so honored.
It must take some courage to attempt a symphonic arrangement of such an important piece. Joner's courage has been rewarded with what I believe is a masterpiece of arrangement which deserves a permanent place in the contrabass/symphonic repertoire. This is an audience pleaser and, judging from the faces of the performers, a musician pleaser too. There are four stars here: the bassist, Steinar Haugerud; the violinist, Atle Sponberg; the pianist (and arranger) Sverre Indris Joner; and the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Rolf Gupta. Each deserves five stars for this performance.
Joner is a composer in addition to being an arranger and, clearly, a student of Piazzolla's music. You can find some of his music on the indris63 YouTube channel. Most of his Piazzolla work has been done in conjunction with the group Tango for 3 which includes Steinar Haugerud, the bassist in today's video. That groups first album is available as a download. But if you are looking for just one more of Joner's symphonic arrangements of Piazzolla, I suggest you view this video of Adios Nonino.
If today's video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
It must take some courage to attempt a symphonic arrangement of such an important piece. Joner's courage has been rewarded with what I believe is a masterpiece of arrangement which deserves a permanent place in the contrabass/symphonic repertoire. This is an audience pleaser and, judging from the faces of the performers, a musician pleaser too. There are four stars here: the bassist, Steinar Haugerud; the violinist, Atle Sponberg; the pianist (and arranger) Sverre Indris Joner; and the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Rolf Gupta. Each deserves five stars for this performance.
Joner is a composer in addition to being an arranger and, clearly, a student of Piazzolla's music. You can find some of his music on the indris63 YouTube channel. Most of his Piazzolla work has been done in conjunction with the group Tango for 3 which includes Steinar Haugerud, the bassist in today's video. That groups first album is available as a download. But if you are looking for just one more of Joner's symphonic arrangements of Piazzolla, I suggest you view this video of Adios Nonino.
If today's video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Bordel 1900 - Randall Family Reunion
Most of the 350 or so performances shared in this blog have been polished performances in clubs or concert halls but a few have been on the street, or in a park or in a home. There is a refreshing reality to such performances that remind us that Piazzolla's music is not just for the musical elite. Some of my favorites feature Piazzolla in a simple family setting - ordinary people enjoying the music of our favorite composer in their own surroundings. Today's video falls in that category: we are at the Randall family reunion.
The music is Bordel 1900, the first movement of the Histoire du tango. The Histoire series was composed in 1985 and dedicated to the Belgian flute player, Marc Grauwels, who premiered them. Bordel 1900 is one of the most popular of the series and is consistently in the top ten most frequently performed Piazzolla compositions.It is played by a father, filmed by his daughter, enjoyed by his mother and a dozen or so other Randall family members and the family cat, Monster. The American flag waves outside the door. The comments are touching. The flute playing is quite good. The guitar accompaniment comes from the portable CD player probably playing this CD.
Mr. Randall mentions that he recently played this piece in an audition for a position in a symphony. If he played as well there as he does for his mother here in this video, I suspect he got the job.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
The music is Bordel 1900, the first movement of the Histoire du tango. The Histoire series was composed in 1985 and dedicated to the Belgian flute player, Marc Grauwels, who premiered them. Bordel 1900 is one of the most popular of the series and is consistently in the top ten most frequently performed Piazzolla compositions.It is played by a father, filmed by his daughter, enjoyed by his mother and a dozen or so other Randall family members and the family cat, Monster. The American flag waves outside the door. The comments are touching. The flute playing is quite good. The guitar accompaniment comes from the portable CD player probably playing this CD.
Mr. Randall mentions that he recently played this piece in an audition for a position in a symphony. If he played as well there as he does for his mother here in this video, I suspect he got the job.
If the video does not appear below, click here.
To learn more about Piazzolla videos, visit the Piazzolla Video site.
Follow Piazzolla on Video on Twitter.
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