Painting music: Libertango

Libertango, Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)

Libertango îs one of Piazzolla’s most popular pieces, and marked a shift away from classical tango to the unmistakeable tango neuvo style he made his own. The title is taken from ‘libertad’ which means freedom in Spanish. Piazzolla was born in Argentina, lived in America and studied in Paris with the great teacher Nadia Boulanger. He embraced all his influenced to create something truly new and original which continues to have great appeal.

I have enjoyed playing this with the wonderful Equinox Saxophone Ensemble on many occasions. (Here’s a concert recording Libertango, Equinox Saxophone Ensemble)

Astor Piazzolla himself features playing bandoneon on this 1990s recording from ‘The Golden Collection) Astor Piazzolla, Libertango