A truly remarkable composition, sadly forgotten
velvet_green | 06/12/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the most interesting CD's available of music by the great Argentinean composer, Astor Piazzolla, being the only recorded version in existence of his 17 minutes long "Suite Punta Del Este". Those of us who have seen the excellent Terry Gilliam movie, 12 monkeys, might recall the eerie musical piece which opens the movie, and is apparent throughout the film. This is the first chapter of the suite, which, for those who haven't heard it, is not too dissimilar to the harsh Bandoneon line which follows the piano introduction in "Adios Nonino". I guess it's surprising that such a memorable piece is relatively unknown, but Piazzolla, being such a prolific composer, has seen fit to perform those compositions which were more suitable to his own "band" - being usually a quintet. Obviously, although this suite is one of his best compositions, he didn't find the time to record it again with a full orchestra.The suite suffers here from both a poor recording, at least by today's western world standards, and a less than able orchestra. However, as this is the only recording of the suite available, we can say it's also the best...Apart for the suite, this CD also contains other pieces played live by Piazzolla on several occasions. One of the most notable of these being "Chin chin", which is dedicated to the sharks Astor used to fish in the ocean. A brave man indeed!This is an important CD which is recommended for all lovers of Piazzolla. We can only thank Mr. Gilliam for directing such a good film (although inferior to Marker's original: "La Jetee"), and for deciding to use this less known composition by Piazzolla."
It Grows On You
Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 10/29/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I didn't really like this CD all that much the first time I heard it, the music seemed too dissonant, and it was quickly consigned to the rack. But I don't like to think I wasted my money, so I have listened to it quite a few times lately while traveling and have discovered that it really grew on me.
The title track has yet to move me, but for the sake of my goal of completeness of Piazzolla recordings, I am happy to have it. The real power here is in the extended live versions of three of Piazzolla's better known compositions and two of the lesser known ones. These were recorded by Piazzolla's last quintet, and each musician is given his chance to shine. I am particularly wowed by the pure jazzy meanderings of Pablo Ziegler's piano, especially on Verano Porteno. However, I enjoy the live rendition of Libertango most of all.
Piazzolla's biographers, friends, and associates who are still alive make much of the putative bad blood between Piazzolla and Aldo Pagani, the publisher of these songs and producer of this CD. Pagani's recordings are often referred to as inferior and he is roundly condemned on a regular basis on the on-line Piazzolla forum.
Don't take any of that as a directive to avoid Pagani produced recordings, the association with Pagani was part of Piazzolla's career and if it weren't for Aldo Pagani, there would be a chunk of that career unavailable for our listening pleasure.
If you are a Piazzolla fanatic like I am, I recommend this because it gives you another angle on some of his most vital works. It may well grow on you as it did on me."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1