The bandoneon, a hand-drawn instrument similar to an accordion, was first built in the 1840s in Krefeld, Germany, by Heinrich Band, not in Argentina.
Recording & Production
This recording features a bandoneon built by Alfred Arnold in 1937, which was restored and provided to Omar Massa by instrument maker Carsten Heveling.
Performer Biography
Omar Massa, a bandoneon player and composer from Buenos Aires, is considered Astor Piazzolla's successor and has been performing Piazzolla's work since age six.
Composer Biography
Astor Piazzolla, a renowned Argentine composer and bandoneon player, was born in Buenos Aires in 1921 and grew up in the USA.
Cultural Impact
Tango, originally dance music, became an art form and spread worldwide from Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, influenced by diverse cultures.
Composer Biography
Piazzolla studied composition with Alberto Ginastera, an Argentine composer, and with Nadia Boulanger, a famous French pianist and composer, who encouraged him to embrace his tango roots.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Piazzolla developed Tango Nuevo, a style that transformed tango into art music primarily for the concert hall.
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