The influences on the compositional style of
Astor Piazzolla were extensive, including such musical luminaries as
J.S. Bach, fellow countryman
Alberto Ginastera, and famed Parisian pedagogue
Nadia Boulanger. It was
Boulanger, however, who pushed
Piazzolla to embrace the tango, a musical art form that was not always completely accepted in Europe. If only
Piazzolla knew of the tremendous renewed interest in the tango that has been occurring for the last decade or so, he may not have composed anything but tangos. This disc by the
Artemis Quartet and pianist
Jacques Ammon, entitled The Piazzolla Project, does not solely focus on tangos, but does accentuate the many influences that
Piazzolla had in his life. Equally at home with the standard quartet repertoire, the
Artemis Quartet simply explodes out of your speakers on this disc, and anyone capable of sitting while listening (unless, of course, you happen to be driving) should probably check for a pulse. Most impressive are the stunning variety of colors and tonal qualities the strings are able to pull from their instruments. Their playing is not only technically brilliant, but fiery, sassy, sexy, and riveting. Add to that the equally nuanced and excitingly flamboyant playing of
Ammon, and what you get is an absolutely must-have addition to anyone even the slightest bit interested in
Piazzolla's music.