Four Seasons of Buenos Aires

1. Cuatro estaciónes porteñas (The Four Seasons), tango cycle
Composed by Astor Piazzolla
with Quinteto Villa-Lobos, Rio Cello Trio

2. Fuga 9, tango
Composed by Astor Piazzolla
with Rio Cello Trio

3. Años de Soledad, tango
Composed by Astor Piazzolla
with Zeca Assumpcao, Chiquinho do Acordeon, Jurim Moreira

4. Libertango, tango
Composed by Astor Piazzolla
Performed by Orquesta de Cordas Brasileiras with Chiquinho do Acordeon

5. Tristango, tango
Composed by Astor Piazzolla
Performed by Orquesta de Cordas Brasileiras with Chiquinho do Acordeon

6. Novitango, tango
Composed by Astor Piazzolla
Performed by Orquesta de Cordas Brasileiras with Chiquinho do Acordeon

7. Deus Xango, tango
Composed by Astor Piazzolla
with Zeca Assumpcao, Paulo Sergio Santos, Jaques Morelenbaum, Henrique Cazes, Beto Cazes

Tracks:

'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Largo
'La Primavera' - Concerto In E Major, Op. 8 No. 1: Allegro
Verano Porteno: Summer In Buenos Aires
'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Allegro Non Molto
'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Adagio
'L'Estate' - Concerto In G Minor, Op. 8 No. 2: Presto
Otono Porteno: Autumn In Buenos Aires
'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Adagio Molto
'L'Autunno' - Concerto In F Major, Op. 8 No. 3: Allegro
Invierno Porteno: Winter In Buenos Aires
'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro Non Molto
'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Largo
'L'Invierno' - Concerto In F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4: Allegro
Primavera Portena: Spring In Buenos Aires

Amazon.com

Despite global warming, Vivaldi's The Four Seasons is more popular than ever. But it still seems strange that Gidon Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica ensemble--a group that continues to stun us with riveting performances of lesser-heard works--would tackle the tried-and-true baroque masterpiece. Luckily, Kremer inventively separates each Vivaldi season with a corresponding composition from Astor Piazzolla's Four Seasons Suite, making for fascinating comparisons. Kremer's performances of the Vivaldi are remarkable, sounding solid and fresh. And like an infectious Broadway musical, Piazzolla's seasons always seem on the verge of a giddy dance number. Kremer really gets to show off on these tango-inspired pieces, but he's charming throughout. The programming probably won't make this your reference Four Seasons, but for those who love their Vivaldi in small doses or fans of Kremer's Tango Ballet disc, this is a must-have. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Music ALIVE!.......2006-03-12

I really know hardly anything about Argentinan music or Kremer, but I bought this album after I became enraptured with the spring and summer suites at a ballet. My local company created a piece inspired by the works of expatriate artist Amaranth Ehrenhalt and set to alternating Vivaldi and Piazzola selections. I was amazed by how Vivaldi's Seasons took on new life. Everything was vivid and fluid and meshed perfectly with the dance. I recommend this--you can truely feel the seasons alive in all of their glory.
BTW: Rio de la Plata means River of Silver.

Full Circle With Kremer's Eight Seasons.......2005-10-19

Gidon Kremer has been building himself quite the reputation as an interpreter of the music of the late and great Argentine musical polymath, Astor Piazzolla. Here he takes the very well-known Four Seasons of Vivaldi and stands them up to the Four Seasons of Piazzolla and the result is an aural delight.
Most who are reading this are probably curious about this CD for one of two reasons: either they are Vivaldi fans, or they are Piazzolla fans. But who says that being a fan of one has to exclude the other? After you listen to this, you are likely to become a fan of the music of both composers and of Gidon Kremer as well if you were not already.
Being a huge Piazzolla fan,I never tire of hearing different interpretations of one of his most important works. The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires may be born of tango, but it is much more than that. It is a masterful marriage of classical elements with those of tango. Piazzolla could do many things with music and what he has created with his Four Seasons is an electrifying blend that will stand the test of time.
And so here is Gidon Kremer with yet another skillful and faithful interpretation of the both the spirit and the letter of Astor Piazzolla's music, cleverly juxtaposed with that of one of the Old Masters. Kremer brings us full circle with his presentation of the Four Seasons sequences of both composers, beginning with Vivaldi's La Primavera (Spring) and after a musical journey through the year, ending with Primavera Portena (Buenos Aires Spring) so that we finish where we began.
Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica do a virtuoso job throughout. Though I am a partisan of the music of Piazzolla, I enjoy Kremer's interpretation of Vivaldi as well. If you know and love this music as I do, then Eight Seasons merits an esteemed slot in your CD collection.

Rapturous.......2004-07-21

Parts of this recording are so beautiful that when I listen while working, I have to pause what I am doing and close my eyes. I don't remember how I ended up buying this CD (it certainly wasn't planned), but I am so grateful.

My rabbit hates it though. When I listen to it at home, he stamps his feet. So I can only listen to it at work. :(

"Eight wonders".......2003-02-24

Gidon Kremer's musical explorations were very famous from the beginning and during the last few years he is gaining almost a "classical superstar" status. I was a little suspicious about those beautifully packaged CDs with sort of "trendy" and almost too interesting sounding titles for serious classical achievements. BUT!! I couldn't be more wrong. "After Mozart" or "Eight Seasons" seem to be some of the most inspiring recordings I've heard. While listening to "Eight Seasons" at "concert" levels in a privacy of my room, I felt "goose bumps" for several times and I had to laugh out of pleasure, thinking: this is SOOO good. Gidon Kremer and his "baltic fresh" Kremerata Baltica are pursuing and tacking the pure essence of music. Programming the mix of Piazzola and Vivaldi doesn't seem extraordinary anymore. It is pure music, pure joy. Technical bravura and excellent sound are only side things. Tango nuevo - widely popularized music form and one of the most (ab)used baroque masterpieces join as one in a fresh and artistically meaningful entity. What more can we wish for ?
Piazzola sounds energetic and powerful and Vivaldi the freshest out of numerous interpretetions. Mixed in an interesting sequence they form a new "Opus".

I also strongly recommend "After Mozart" with its mixture of contemporary music and timeless, for many "godlike" Mozart. A recording that makes him human and even more divine at the same time.

From the River Plate (Rio de la Plata)........2002-11-10

The River Plate, an akward translation from the spanish "Rio de la Plata", is the widest river on the world. It both separates and bonds Buenos Aires with Montevideo, capitals cities of Argentina and Uruguay respectively. If I could ask Billy Joel how would he name this river, I think that much alike his excellent album "River of Dreams", he would call it "River of Tango".
Yesterday night I attended Mr. Kremer and the Baltic Kamerata's performance, where in addition to Mahler's 10th Adaggio, they played these "eight seasons". I think that for Mr. Kremer and his ensemble, coming to play to South America and precisely to the birthplace of tango, could be a "tour the force".
Well, he & the Kamerata were magnificient, classy. He kept us on our feet, applauding, for more than fifteen minutes.
This CD has capture the thrilling of his live performances.It is the kind of recording that becomes a milestone in our "audio memory", as Mr. Karajan liked to say. Enjoy it.

Average customer rating:

One-dimensional tango
Kneel in the Church of Tango
This is a Tango Bar.
Outstanding!
Tango for the world

Tangos Among Friends
Daniel Barenboim , Rodolfo Mederos , and Héctor Console
Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brazilian Rhapsody
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Los Tangueros
Soul of the Tango: The Music of Astor Piazzolla
Tango: Zero Hour

ASIN: B000000S97
Release Date: 1996-08-27

Tracks:

Mi Buenos Aires querido
Verano porteno
La moza donosa
Don Agustin Bardi
Tzigane tango
Invierno Porte o
Aquellos tangos camperos
Adios Nonino
El Dia que me quieras
Primavera portena
A Fuego lento
Otono porteno
Contrabajeando
Bailecito

Customer Reviews:

One-dimensional tango.......2007-03-04

While the technical aspects of this recording are beyond question, the nostalgic point of view the performers have chosen transforms these beautiful tangos in whinny pieces.... Tango is about melancholy, that's true, but it's also about machismo, and lacks anything but power.

These fine interpretations are nice to listen to as background music, but don't convey the power of the tango, and so, I must recommend anything else if you are looking for an introduction to this complex music. Piazzola's original pieces, for example, will knock your socks off, compared to the interpretations featured here. The only song I found to be worth on its own, is not a tango, but a beautiful danza by Alberto Ginastera. I have heard many versions of that song and this one is my favourite one by far....

Kneel in the Church of Tango.......2004-01-01

There may not be candles or pews or stain glass windows, but the realm of Tango has become an object of reverence for many. Most people have only heard the orchestral versions of this type of music and that is unfortunate. The original tango was a song - not a dance.

ALthough Piazzolla has made Tango accessible for the masses (and transformed it into a new creature in the process) it is Gardel and Salgan who hearken back to the roots of the movement. These are sultry tones, languid, erotic, passionate and exquisite. It is almost impossible to select any one as a favorite so I'll conclude that they all deserve a prize.

This is a Tango Bar........2002-12-13

Now you will know what it's like to sit, tears filling your already-empty glass, in a Tango Bar in Buenos Aires on a lonely night.

Outstanding!.......2002-03-04

This album contains the most beautiful, refined, and expressive tango performances I have ever heard. Not only that, but you CAN dance to them! The accordian playing here is truly fine and sensitive. Barenboim's sense of timing and rubato is always expressive, never excessive, and seems contagious to the rest of the ensemble. I listen to this over and over again and never get tired of it. An unexpected bonus to this double bass aficionado was Contrabajedo's inclusion on this CD. Bravo! You need to buy this CD immediately.

Tango for the world.......2002-03-02

This is music at its best: relaxing, precise, melodic, thoughtful, romantic, and entertaining all at once. You will never get tired of this album. If you enjoy the finer things in life, this is a MUST. There is not a single annoying piece in the whole album. I rate it among my favorite albums of all time. Truly timeless. Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Amazing
Typical Piazzolla...Extraordinary
A Christlike Performance
superb playing of great music

Los Tangueros

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bajo Cero
Piazzolla: Song of the Angel

ASIN: B0000029TY
Release Date: 1997-01-14

Tracks:

Revirado
Fuga y misterio
Milonga del angel
Decarissimo
Soledad
La muerte del angel
Adios Nonino
Libertango
Verano porte
Michelangelo '70
Buenos Aires hora cero
Tangata

Amazon.com essential recording

Like his frequent partner, Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Emanuel Ax has become infatuated with the tangos of Astor Piazzolla. Ax sought out pianist Pablo Ziegler, a long-time member of Piazzolla's ensemble, to make these arrangements and perform them with him. With his innate musicianship and Ziegler as a tutor, Ax has entered wholeheartedly into the world of the New Tango. These performances have just the right feeling for rhythm and color. Whether you need an album of Piazzolla on two pianos is another question. I'd say get some of Piazzolla's own recordings first. But for piano tango this album is a total success. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2005-07-16

There is a certain intensity in Piazzola's music that is hard to describe. It can be very powerful and nostalgic at the same time, very energetic and extremely mellow. Rumor has it that when Piazzola was studing music, his teacher pesuaded him to go back to his natural instrument, the bandoneon, as Piazzola had proven to play it with a special sensitivity.
While played in the bandoneon , Piazzola's music reaches all its Argentinean identity and character, but in the piano- in this case two of them- his music transforms and gets a richness that is really imppresive. I can't imagine two better piano players to deliver the passion of Piazzola's music. Emmanuel Ax and Pablo Ziegler are amazing together. Los Tangueros is a classic for all the Piazzola fans.

Typical Piazzolla...Extraordinary.......2003-03-05

The quintessential Piazzolla is presented here in a rapturous performance by several artists in their own right. I was attracted to this recording because I play the piano and the idea of Emanual Ax and Pablo Ziegler (another one of those classical-Tango joint venture a la Yo Yo Ma) performing Tango was too much to pass up.

The transcriptions are very, very good. In fact, though one can readily distinguish the sound from the classic Tango ensemble, the music is seamless. It works! Of particular interest is "La muerte del angel". One wishes that the "angel" trilogy could be presented in one package instead of spread out over several recordings. And speaking of transcripts, a German firm now distributes piano versions of Piazzolla tangos in three volumes.

While I'm wishing, it would be great if someone recorded the entire body of Piazzolla compositions in one collection.

A Christlike Performance.......2000-08-02

I was unfamiliar with Emanuel Ax, very familiar with Pablo Ziegler, and ultra familiar with the work of Astor Piazzolla, so I decided to give this CD a try. The only disappointment is that there are only 12 songs on this recording. It must have been difficult for Piazzolla acolyte Ziegler to decide which of the hundreds of worthy Piazzolla compositions to record. In the end, he did a great job not only in selecting a variety of Piazzolla styles, but also in selecting those which fit his conception of this project. Its hard to choose a favorite here though if pressed, I'd name the stately Soledad followed closely by the equally majestic Tangata. Ziegler's arrangements are impeccable. He proves that a lot of music can spring from two pianos with no other instrumentation needed when the arrangements are right. I heartily recommend this album not only to Piazzolla fans, but to fans of the piano. I hope that Ax and Ziegler soon offer an encore to this Christlike performance.

superb playing of great music.......1999-08-07

Piazzola does for tango what Gershwin did for the blues. And there is no better medium to hear what Piazzola is up to than these splendid arrangements for two pianos. Emanuel Ax, of course, is one of America's best living pianists. With Ziegler, he forms an unforgettable team. Highly worthwhile.

Average customer rating:

Piazzolla brazillian version
Bland music
Master piece
Don't Be Fooled
Superb collection

Four Seasons of Buenos Aires

Manufacturer: Milan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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La Camorra

ASIN: B0001FGAWQ
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

Spring Of Buenos Aires
Summer Of Buenos Aires
Autumn Of Buenos Aires
Winter Of Buenos Aires
Fugue 9
Years Of Solitude - Paulo Sergio Santos
Libertango - Chiquinho Do Acordeon
Tristango - Chiquinho Do Acordeon
Novitango - Chiquinho Do Acordeon
Deus Xango - Paulo Sergio Santos

Customer Reviews:

Piazzolla brazillian version.......2007-05-18

Only Astor Piazzolla could equal himself. A bandoneon virtuoso playing his own works, nobody could do better than him. However Four Seasons of Buenos Aires deserves a place of honour in the cd collection of Piazzolla's fans.

Bland music.......2007-05-07

I heard this piece at a concert and loved it. However, this recording had none of the fire and passion of the concert. I returned it.

Master piece.......2005-12-29

The right balance between classical, popular, contemporany music this CD is a fascinating interpretation of Piazzolla best works in a Brazilian way bringing together some of its best talented musicians.
The extraordinary performances of Rio Cello Trio and the Orquestra de Cordas Brasileiras makes this CD unforgettable.

Don't Be Fooled.......2005-03-05

Milan Records owns the rights to a lot of the later Piazzolla canon, and since his death has steadily been mining its holdings with a number of CD reissues and compilations that are readily identified as Milan's by the similarity of the cover art used. Don't be fooled by the Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, however. While it is a fine recording, Piazzolla does not appear on it as anything but the composer.
I didn't read the back of the CD cover before I bought it and so when I opened it, I was surprised to find that the cover had fooled me into thinking Piazzolla was featured. I played it anyway, prepared for the worst, as many offerings of Piazzolla compositions turn out mediocre at best. At first, it seemed like my fears were confirmed, but after several listens I warmed to the music.
Those familiar with AP's "Four Seasons" sequence know that they are among the most classically oriented of his works and have only the slightest connection to tango. But they also know that when performed by Piazzolla and one of his musical formations, that they are among the most powerful of his longer works. Anyone taking on the task of interpretation had better know well what the heck they are doing or risk making musical fools of themselves.
This interpretation of the "Four Seasons" is done by a Brazilian orchestra that in my view started rather weakly. It isn't until "winter" (Invierno Porteno) was reached that the power and majesty of the music comes to fruition.
From there on out, the rest of the CD is quite good. My favorites of the remainder are the three parts of the "Libertango" sequence that they performed and which features some excellent mandolin work and Deus Xango, which closes the recording with a jazzy rendering oddly reminiscent of some of the old CTI-era jazz recordings.
The weakness of the start drops a star, but its the rest of the recording which puts this in the recommended category for anyone who loves the music of Astor Piazzolla.

Superb collection.......2004-05-04

Superb collection of Piazzolla's 'new tango': four ear-bending modern arrangements followed by an array of traditional performances. Because of its versatility and constant quality, this disc easily lets itself play from start to end and over again. Four seasons for the ear indeed.

Average customer rating:

a must have for all the Piazzollists

Itinerary of a Genius
Astor Piazzolla
Manufacturer: Milan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000068Q1X
Release Date: 2002-07-23

Tracks:

Adios Nonino
Libertango
Buenos Aires hora cero
Tres minutos con la realidad
Verano Porteno
Doble concierto para Bandoneon, Guitarra y Orquesta de Cuerdos - "Hommage a Liege" Tango
Vuelvo al Sur
Tanguedia III
Milonga del Angel
Concierto de Nacar 3rd mvt allegro marcato
Decarissimo
Duo de Amor
Ballada para un loco
November 1987 - Opus
July 1987 - Les Trottoirs de Buenos Aires - Euphonia Argentina
March 21, 1981 - Interactualites

Customer Reviews:

a must have for all the Piazzollists.......2004-06-23

This is one of my favorite Piazzolla recordings. Be ready to embarke on a beautiful journey through Europe and Argentina. For the pluralists Piazzolla's language is the Lingua-Franca !

Average customer rating:

Astor Piazzolla: Oda Para un Hippie

Manufacturer: Profil - G Haenssler
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009SQCCI
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

Verano Porte
Novitango
Oda Para un Hippie
Milonga de la Anunciacion
Coral
Nuestro Tiempo
Kicho
Escualo
Oblivion
Libertango
Michelangelo '70
Finale (Entre Brecht et Brel)

Average customer rating:

Tango Way / Classic Way
Astor Piazzolla
Manufacturer: EMI Latin
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006I0CT
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Tracks:

Lo Que Vendra
Adios Nonino
Villeguita
Decarisimo
Para Lucirse
Marron Y Azul
Invierno Porteno
Verano Porteno
El Desbande
Triunfal
Nonino
Preparense
Zum
Otono Porteno
Se Armo
Libertango
Adios Nonino

Tracks:

El Desbande
Invierno Porteno
Adios Nonino
Decarisimo
Otono Porteno
Fuga Y Misterio
Cafe 1930
Oblivion
Milonga Del Angel
Night Club 1960
Nuestro Tiempo
Chiquilin De Bachin
Concierto Para Bandoneon
Adios Nonino

Average customer rating:

Mis Canciones Favorites

Manufacturer: Romeo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Isabel Bayrakdarian ~ Azulão

ASIN: B00004VWBQ
Release Date: 2000-07-25

Average customer rating:

Magitian of melody
Magitian of melody
A Command Performance
Superb recording of Piazzolla live in BA

Concierto de Nacar

Manufacturer: Milan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000015O4
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Buenos Aires Hora Cero
Vardarito
Fuga Y Misterio
Verano Porteno
Concierto De Nacar Para Nueve Tanguistas Y Orquesta Filarmonica (Tres Movimientos)
Concierto Para Bandoneon, Piano Cuerdas Y Percusion (Tres Movimientos)
Adios Nonino
Bis De Adios Nonino

Amazon.com essential recording

Concierto de Nácar offers a wide-angle vantage on Astor Piazzolla's long, creatively fertile career. First, the 1983 concert took place at Buenos Aires's classical venue of choice, the Teatro Colón; and second, the ensemble made a bridge between the early 1970s Conjunto 9 and Piazzolla's later, smaller groups. The nonet, buoyed by two violinists, Fernando Suárez Paz and Hugo Baralis, was also enlarged to include percussionist Enrique Roizner, who gives the music a polyrhythmic flooring that energizes and rounds out the harmonic richness of multiple strings and Piazzolla's bandoneon. The fullness of sound stands in contrast to Piazzolla's leaner essentials, Tango Zero Hour and the Vienna Concert, offering orchestral breadth and depth and even making the strings alone sound liquidly polyrhythmic. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Magitian of melody.......2002-04-19

During 40 years I have been loved Maestro Astor Piazzolla who has
tried musical revolution in Tango Argentina.
Our one of Tango Musician who can play "Bandoneon" as Piazzolla
written Piazzolla's History and especially his composed music
along the historically.
I think that he was a kind of genious for melody not only Tango Argentina but Movie Title music also.
When he said that Live Concert in Japan around 1979-1980 it was
fantastic one and all member consists of Quinteto were excellent.
However,unfortunatelly these live concert did not recorded.
Therefore, I have decided to collect as much as possible especially,Piazzolla's Live Concert Album.
This time I can add new his album for my collection it will be
wonderful moment.
Isao Ozaki,Tokyo,Japan.

Magitian of melody.......2002-04-19

A Command Performance.......2000-12-05

I've never been an aficionado of Piazzolla's "live" albums, most are far too drawn out and repetitive. But as a loyal fan, I give every recording a chance to speak to me. When I bought Concierto de Nacar, I was initially ambivalent towards it; I liked the songs I was familiar with but wasn't so sure about the two conciertos offered here for the first time. Recently I put it back on while doing paperwork in the office and couldn't get enough of it. Piazzolla didn't record much with his Conjunto 9, so this is a very important CD for those following his musical odyssey. The performance here is inspired, the execution is tight. While the entire album can be considered a highlight, the peaks are a spellbinding rendition of Fuga y Misterio, yet another take on Verano Porteno, the dreamy Vardarito, and the CD's showpieces, the two concerts composed especially for this event. Concierto de Nacar is yet another command performance by Astor Piazzolla and as such deserves a place in every Piazzolla fan's CD rotation.

Superb recording of Piazzolla live in BA.......2000-04-07

This is a superb cd of Piazzolla and his famed Cojunto 9. He has his usual instrumental lineup from his quintet--Pablo Ziegler on piano and Fernando Suarez Paz on violin, then adds another violin, viola, cello and percussion.

Buenos Aires Hora Cero is the first track, and is extended and opened up to more ideas--the bass line isn't exactly the same throughout the piece, and the main themes return in different voices. The intro to Adios Nonino is done by Piazzolla himself, rather than the usual intro by Ziegler.