Soul of the Tango: The Music of Astor Piazzolla (CD - )

SOUL OF THE TANGO received the 1999 Grammy Award for "Best Classical Crossover Album." 'Tango Remembrances' was nominated for the Award for "Best Instrumental Composition."

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma has branched out a lot in recent years, collaborating with artists from Bobby McFerrin to Bela Fleck, and this recording represents yet another way that Ma has single-handedly expanded the repertoire and opened our ears and minds to a new type of music. Ma states that the tango is a dance full of undercurrents, and in combination with many of the musicians that Piazzolla himself played with, he seems to slip easily between tango-inspired reverie and serious, almost murderously rhythmic dance.

Ma's enthusiasm for this Argentinean art form is audible in the dynamism he brings to each track. One of the most interesting tracks on the CD is "Tango Remembrances," in which Ma plays improvisational material and a walking bass composed over pre-recorded material played by Piazzolla himself on the bandoneón (basically an Argentinean accordion). This music seems to throb with emotion, and never is Piazzolla's artistry more obvious than in his own performance.

This recording has a sensuousness to it like the first taste of a rich dessert. Save room for this one! minimize