I have been listening to a lot of tango music recently, and I would like to share some findings. A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon the Adios Nonino recording by Salvatore Accardo with Orchestra da Camera Italiana, released by Fonè Records, which ignited my interest in this genre. I mean, I had listened to compositions by Astor Piazzolla before, but never exclusively and with such pleasure and understanding as I have these days.
This work, as an expression of the composer’s profound sadness caused by the passing of his father, is something truly special and is likely to move you to tears. It is a recording with a wide dynamic range that captures the texture and timbre of the instruments, the acoustic character of the venue itself, and, most importantly, the strong emotions Piazzolla brings to his compositions.
Once my interest in Astor Piazzolla and his tango nuevo had been ignited, I was urged to search for other recordings of his music. That is how I discovered *Music of Astor Piazzolla* — a recording by the talented guitarist Baltazar Benitez.
Recorded in 1984, the album consists exclusively of works composed by Astor Piazzolla. Besides the “Five Pieces for Guitar”, there are five other compositions included, which are transcriptions made by Benitez and approved by the composer himself.
Performed on solo guitar, this album is very different from Adios Nonino, which I mentioned earlier. The weeping violin and heavy percussion can only be approximated by the guitar, meaning that the full ensemble of timbres and effects so central to Piazzolla’s compositions is inevitably lost. In its place, however, there is an intimacy added to the works that is characteristic of the nylon-string acoustic guitar, especially when played by a master such as Benitez.
I mean not only that by 1970 he had won all the prestigious classical guitar competitions in his native Uruguay, but also that after studying for a year in Santiago de Compostela under Andrés Segovia, he won first prize at its annual international guitar competition in 1971. Not to mention that in 1973 he won first prize in the 7th International Tárrega Contest in Benicàssim, Spain.
But aside from his interest in and success with classical and baroque music, Benitez breathes Latin American music as if it were second nature and exhibits an intimacy with Piazzolla’s music that one can seldom encounter.
Benitez’s unique playing style, along with his tonal clarity and balance, is a joy to listen to. This is an outstanding album for fans of both classical guitar and tango music.