Nadia Boulanger, a famous teacher, convinced Astor Piazzolla to embrace the tango, telling him, 'Astor, you are an idiot, forget everything you have written so far. Your music is the tango.'
Historical Context
In 1913, German Emperor Wilhelm II and Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph agreed to ban the tango at their courts due to its perceived indecency.
Cultural Impact
Despite widespread condemnation, the tango became incredibly popular, with 14 million copies of the song 'La Cumparsita' alone being sold.
Composer Biography
Astor Piazzolla faced threats and physical attacks from musicians who accused him of destroying the tango tradition with his 'Tango Nuevo' style.
Album & Artwork
The album is dedicated by cellist Friedrich Kleinhapl to people longing for life-affirming energy, peace, and lightness in conflict-ridden times.
Composer Biography
Astor Piazzolla, a composer on this album, initially disliked the tango due to its association with his parents' homesickness and the unsavory nightclubs where he had to perform.
Historical Context
In 1914, Pope Pius X banned the tango, with his vicar general Cardinal Basilio Pompili calling it 'the worst thing you can imagine' and 'gravely sinful'.
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Piazzolla: Concerto pour bandonéon
Piazzolla, A.: Orchestral Music - Libertango / Adios Nonino / Cierra Tus Ojos Escucha / Revirado / Oblivion
