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Piazzolla, Astor : Libertango a-moll

Work Overview

Music ID : 10573
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:3 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection

Commentary (1)

Author : PTNA Piano Encyclopedia Editorial Department

Last Updated: March 12, 2018
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Libertango” has now become synonymous with Piazzolla. Many may know it from the performance by world-renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma.

Why did this piece suddenly make Piazzolla's name world-famous? We would like to explore the great achievement he accomplished, often referred to as the “Tango Revolution,” by unraveling the secrets of “Libertango.”

This piece was composed in 1974. In the preceding year, 1973, Piazzolla suffered a myocardial infarction. Although he recovered his health after a period of recuperation, Piazzolla faced a harsh reality. To quote Piazzolla himself regarding the situation at that time: “A very creative cycle had already passed, and being over 50, I had to start all over again from scratch.” The place he chose to “start over” was Italy.

Although Piazzolla had stated that “a creative cycle had passed,” contrary to his words, his creative activities in the new land blossomed rapidly, and he released a series of seven pieces, including “Libertango.”

As indicated by its title, which combines “Libertad (freedom)” and “Tango,” this piece fully incorporates Piazzolla's free ideas, unconstrained by traditional tango.

Instrumentation

Traditional tango instrumentation consists of piano, bandoneon, violin, and double bass, but Piazzolla added rock instrumentation: electric guitar, bass, and drums.

Compositional Techniques

Beyond instrumentation, Piazzolla incorporated elements of rock and even jazz into his compositional techniques. One such element is the “riff.” A “riff” is the repetition of a specific chord progression or melodic pattern. The impressive phrase that opens the piece, which can be called its signature, is precisely this “riff.” Carried by the riff, a passionate melody vividly colors the piece, but once the theme is played through, variations of the theme begin. This is akin to jazz improvisation, and Piazzolla incorporated jazz musical idioms into tango, creating an innovative sound.

Incorporating elements of rock and jazz, this piece breathed new life into tango, spreading rapidly, and the eponymous CD featuring this piece became a worldwide hit. It became an unprecedented hit, especially in the American jazz scene, leading to Piazzolla being invited to the “Montreal International Jazz Festival,” one of the world's premier jazz festivals.

Libertango” can be said to be the piece that marked a new turning point for Piazzolla, as he moved his base of activity from Argentina to Italy, expanding his sphere of influence globally, particularly in Europe.

Arrangements & Related Works(7)

Yamamoto, KyokoLibertango

Total Performance Time: 4 min 00 sec 

Matsumoto, YoLibertango

Total Performance Time: 3 min 10 sec 

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Reference Videos & Audition Selections(1items)

黒田 亜樹

Sheet Music

Scores List (3)