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Piazzolla

del Angel

Quartett Escualo

Warner Music Hungary 5144-23855-2

 

 


Violin, Viola, (Istvan Kerek) Guitar (Albert Mayer).
Double-bass, (Peter Acs). Accordion, (Zsolt Deli).

1 Violentango.
2 Meditango.
3 Fuga y Misterio.
4 Oblivion.
5 Michelangelo.
6 Adios Nonino.
7 Escualo.
8 Milonga del Angel.
9 La Muerte del Angel.
10 Resurrection del Angel.
11 Fugata (Silfo y Ondina No.2).
12 Libertango.
 

It would be easy to dismiss this CD by glancing at its unassuming cover.

And we have a seemingly unlikely marriage between Piazzolla, the Argentinean Tango composer, who has only but recently found favour in the UK’s classical strata, with a Hungarian ensemble.

In the Piazzolla Tango lies the spectrum of all human feeling, and despite the fact that the Tango earned its superficially, lurid reputation as the nearest thing to vertical copulation in public, Piazzolla empowered it with a depth of expression far beyond that of a one-night stand.

Here is music that reflects all the joys and sorrows of life.

So where is the Hungarian link? Why is this a powerful CD?

What makes this such a spell-binding musical experience?

Could it be some link between the Hungarian Gypsy inheritance and the exportation of the Spanish Gypsy influences?

This is a classically trained group of musicians who came together in 2002, ten years after Piazzolla died and they intend to be part of the process of Piazzolla’s dream of, "putting the Tango on the concert platform."

The intonation of the double bass never wavers, the guitar is full of sensitive colours, the accordion registrations are beautifully executed, the violin sings and the viola, - an unlikely instrument in such an ensemble, takes on the role of saxophone.

The classical elements are undeniable, there are fugal expositions and hints of sonata development and it is all pushed along by an ongoing desperation encapsulated in a compulsive rhythmic drive

But it is the raw emotion that grips the listener. Ostensibly sentimental tunes are transformed into catastrophe by discords redolent of thwarted desires.

Nervous crises barge into the music like untimely deaths.

This is the reckless world of the uninhibited.

If Piazzolla was looking for exponents to continue the Tango Dream, Quartett Escualo are true disciples.

For Tango lovers and anyone who enjoys deeply impassioned music this CD is a must!

Adrienne Fox.

 

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