Piazzólla: Tanti anni prima ('Ave Maria')

• Piazzólla’s compositions have been arrranged by Duo Intermezzo in an innovative way

• These artists specialise in the music of Piazzólla

• They have been influenced by both classical and jazz music

This CD by the Trio Artelli presents some of the most significant works by Astor Piazzolla, illustrating once again the inexhaustible creativity of this Argentinian maestro. Piazzolla’s creations come to be seen as open works, new Latin American standards, able to be appropriated by the various compass points of contemporary music, whether classical, jazz or indeed pop.

These three Neapolitan musicians remain true to their chamber music vocation, producing versions of Piazzolla for violin, cello and piano which are extremely elegant, occasionally minimalist and distinctly modern without in any way detracting from the original. Their arrangements reflect the whole palette of colours and inspirations of the Argentinian composer, with particular attention to his never-failing melodic vein and mood of melancholy. The choice of pieces itself proclaims the intentions of the Trio Artelli, with a tribute to the 'Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas', the four seasons of Baires, Piazzolla’s own reworking of masterpieces of the Italian Baroque.

Astor Piazzolla’s much-loved tangos have been arranged for all manner of instrumental line-ups, this album presenting an exuberant selection specially arranged for the acclaimed Tuscan Brass and Percussion Quintet. The Quintet is joined by guest violinist Andrea Tacchi. The result is a thrilling new take on nuevo tango, passionate yet poised, sharp and shiny as a knife-blade. The centrepiece of this album, Piazzolla’s witty Four Seasons Suite takes Vivaldi’s famous violin concertos for a stroll through the docklands of Buenos Aires, the original home of tango itself.

Piazzolla is famous for his tango compositions but this CD includes lesser known compositions; songs with and without words and a very simple Ave Maria. The fine Argentinian pianist Marcella Roggeri expresses the art of her compatriot with grace and sensitivity. With her fresh, cheerful voice, Magali Léger brings hope and light to these inspired pieces.

“Pampa and guitar, intellect, rhythm and feeling - those are probably the best words to use when attempting to describe the altogether charming music of Piazzolla and Bardesio.”

Bardesio not only composed works of his own for the guitar, but also created arrangements of Piazzolla's works. He has selected eight such arrangements to make up the first part of this CD.

Rarely heard, the bayan is a small Russian style accordion and Elisbeth Moser has skillfully

transcribed these pieces for performance by cello and bayan. An unusual combination but the result is a charming CD full of colour and atmosphere.