Musicians : Sebastien Authemayou (bandonion), Marielle Gars (piano)

In recording this album, Duo Intermezzo wanted to transmit all of the energy and subtlety found in the musical universe of Astor Piazzolla. 

An atypical and charismatic figure, Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) was one of the most innovative composers of his age. Taking a provocative approach, he revolutionised the cultural and musical references of a whole people, engaging in fierce ideological arguments with the unique aim of developing the tango form, a true emblem of Argentinian musical identity. His justification in doing so was that “Music which does not evolve is music which is condemned to slowly die”. 

The new and original instrumental arrangements created by Duo Intermezzo form part of a truly “compositional” approach. This album includes some of Piazzolla’s most iconic works (Adios Nonino, Libertango, Michelangelo 70’), one of his Four Seasons (Invierno Porteño) and adaptations of the sung tango repertoire (Balada para un Loco, Chiquilin de Bachin, Ave Maria).

For Duo Intermezzo, Astor Piazzolla’s music represents a form of musical communion, uniting lovers of classical music with fans of jazz and improvised styles, creating a new and highly accessible cultural programme. Performances of Piazzolla’s work are becoming increasingly widespread on the national and international festival scene, thanks to his wide appeal and uniting power; famous fans include the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboïm, the cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the American vibraphone virtuoso Gary Burton, the Kronos Quartet, and the accordion and bandoneon player Richard Galliano, amongst many others.