ASTOR PIAZZOLLA

ASTOR PIAZZOLLA
CONCERTO FOR BANDONEON (1996)
320 KBPS

This disc, coupling his three-movement Concierto pour bandonéon with two purely orchestral works, the Tres movimienentos tanguisticos porteños plus arrangements of his five popular tangos arranged by Lluis Vidal, is smartly and stylishly performed by the Orquestra de Cambra Teatre Lliure led by Josep Pons with Pablo Mainetti on bandonéon and arranger Vidal on piano. The Concierto and the Tres movimienentos are generally considered Piazzolla's major "serious" works, and the amazing virtuosic and infinitely adaptable chamber orchestra from Barcelona -- as well-known for playing Zappa as for playing de Falla -- performs with passion, dedication, and skill. While Mainetti's tone is more refined than most bandonéon players and Vidal's technique is more glitzy than most piano players -- listen for his glittering full-keyboard glissandos -- they're both deep in the groove with the low-down tango rhythm and that's what counts the most. While not perhaps the first recording of Piazzolla's concierto one ought to try -- his own recording on Nonesuch remains the one to beat -- this performance is still thoroughly convincing, plus the couplings are appealing and the sound is rich, lush, warm, clear, and beautifully detailed.

Concerto Pour Bandoneon, Cordes Et Percussion

1. Allegro Marcato
2. Moderato
3. Presto
Tres Movimientos Tanguisticos Portenos
4. Allegretto
5. Moderato
6. Vivace
Tangos
7. Decarissimo
8. Invierno Porteno
9. Adios Nonino
10. Milonga Del Angel
11. La Muerte Del Angel