What Is Astor Piazzolla’s Most Famous Song?
If you've ever listened to Argentine tango, then you have Astor Piazzolla to thank.
He was a legendary tango composer and musician who changed the course of tango music for life.
His unique style — Tango Nuevo — introduced new elements into the genre, such as jazz and classical music. His compositions are some of the most well-known in the world and continue to be popular to this day.
Astor Piazzolla is one of the most famous tango composers of all time, but many people still don't know who he is or why his music is so special.
Let’s take a closer look at Astor Piazzolla's life and work, his most famous song, and why his music is so unique and important.
Who Is Astor Piazzolla?
Astor Piazzolla is widely considered to be one of the greatest tango musicians of all time. Born in Argentina in 1921,
Piazzolla began playing the bandoneon at a young age and quickly developed a love for tango music.
According to Piazzolla Music Competition,
he studied classical music at the conservatory in Buenos Aires but dropped out after only a few months, preferring to focus on his own style of music, which he later termed "Tango Nuevo."
Piazzolla's music incorporated elements of jazz and classical music, resulting in a uniquely fresh and innovative sound.
His most famous composition, "Adios Nonino," is a prime example of his ability to fuse traditional tango with modern influences.
Astor Piazzolla died in 1992, but his legacy continues to live on through his music.
Thanks to Astor Piazzolla, tango remains as popular as ever, enjoyed by audiences all over the world.
According to Latino Life, Astor is one of the greatest tango musicians of all time.
He has been credited with revitalizing the genre and bringing it to new audiences. His name is as recognizable as the names Mozart, Bach, John Coltrane, and many more.
That's how great Astor Piazzolla was — and still is.
What Inspired Astor Piazzolla’s Love for Tango?
Tango music is Astor Piazzolla’s trademark. This genre gave him worldwide fame and recognition. He is even referred to as the “King of Tango.”
But what led Astor Piazzolla to choose tango?
Astor Piazzolla's love for tango can be traced back to his childhood in Argentina. Raised in a musical family,
Piazzolla began playing the bandoneon at a young age. He soon fell in love with the melancholy sound of the instrument, and began to explore the vibrant world of Argentinian tango.
Although Piazzolla initially struggled to find his place within the traditional tango scene, he eventually found success with his unique brand of Tango Nuevo. Inspired by classical music and jazz, Piazzolla's new approach helped to revitalize the genre and cement his place as one of its greatest innovators. To this day, Astor Piazzolla's legacy continues to inspire generations of tango lovers.
Understanding Tango Nuevo
Tango Nuevo is a style of tango that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. It is characterized by its complex melodies, unusual rhythms, and counterpoint textures.
While traditional tango focuses on the rhythm of the dance, Tango Nuevo emphasizes the music itself.
Astor Piazzolla was one of the first composers to experiment with this new style of tango. His compositions, such as "Adios Nonino" and "Libertango" helped to define the Tango Nuevo sound.
To this day, Astor Piazzolla's music continues to be some of the most popular tango music ever composed. His work has been performed by many of the world's greatest orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra. Astor Piazzolla is truly a legend of tango music.
Piazzolla's Influence on Tango
Astor Piazzolla's influence on tango cannot be overstated. He is often credited with single-handedly inventing the Tango Nuevo style.
This new style of tango was a radical departure from the traditional sound of Argentine tango. Piazzolla's compositions incorporated elements of jazz and classical music, giving them a unique sound that was unlike anything that had been heard before.
Piazzola music and true stories from Hernan, Anita, Ultimate Tango…
It keeps coming back to me how the same words can have different meaning.
'Last Tanda' and Octavio Brunetti
There are many 'Last Tandas'. La Cumparsita follows, and we all go home only to come back and see each other again during the next Milonga.
A couple of months ago, a good couple of months ago, already years... back in New York, we attended one of the Milongas with life music by Octavio Brunetti (piano) and his then-girlfriend Machiko Ozawa (violin). They announced the last tanda of live music and we got up to dance. It was a small studio. Very small. The piano was right next to the dance floor. We started dancing next to it and by the time we reached it again... we stopped. There was something overly substantial and eternal in the music. We couldn't dance. The music was too powerful. Too touching. We just stood there listening. They played 'Adios Nonino' last.
I whispered to Hernan something along those lines - if he doesn't marry this girl, he will be an idiot. You know, Octavio, we were all friends. Well - he didn't.
It was Last Tanda for real. Unbelievably, just a couple of days later…
'On August 3, 2014, Octavio Brunetti was hospitalized at Mount Sinai Hospital for an unexpected infectious illness. However, the doctors could not find the location of the infection or the cure, and Brunetti passed away. [3] '- Wikipedia
Adios Nonino…
Adios Nonino by the Pan American Symphony Orchestra with Raul Jaurena on bandoneon, Octavio Brunetti on piano, Machiko Ozawa on violin, Pedro Giraudo on bass, conducted by Sergio A. Buslje at the DC Tango Festival 2010.
As for Robert... He was in the Pre-Intermediate until… Oblivion
He started during Tango in the Park inspired by an old friend of his who always wanted to Tango. He wanted to surprise and impress her. He religiously took classes over the Summer and joined the Pre-Intermediate group starting in September. He was a mathematician and whatever explanation I gave him, he was trying to turn it into some kind of logarithm.
Driving to one of the Sunday classes in November (he drove from RI), he hit the highway barrier at 80 miles per hour. He still made it to the class, participated fully, complaining a bit about the headache. Only at the end of the class, he described what happened on the way to the class. He attended 2 or 3 more classes. Last one on 12/04.
Before his last private lesson, he wrote to me:
Anita,
I might like to try this performance of Oblivion by 2Cellos with ***(Name of Advanced Student that was kind enough to arrive earlier before her own private lesson to partner up with and accompany Robert in his lesson). It's consonant with my impression of her tastes and I think she might enjoy it.
It's quite slow which requires some muscle control before it settles into its underlying rhythm. The introduction lends itself to a Soltada in the first two measures, settling into the embrace in measures 3 and 4, and then a slow cascade into two cycles of the 8 step basic starting at measure 5 before entering the theme of walk, crosses, and side to side ochos . There's an interesting figure in the piece for the follower at 1:29, where its mood brightens. The ending is rather difficult however, as the piece fades to uncertainty.
But then, what do I know about anything?
Robert
I did not have this version of 'Oblivion' and so I just played the one I had. I was more focused on back ochos and double time.
And so, I failed to fulfill his last wish.
RIP, Robert.
He was found dead in his house after someone emailed me around Christmas Eve asking about his absence. We called…, the police went and forced the door. There he was… in Oblivion.
Piazzolla's Legacy and Most Famous Song
Astor Piazzolla's legacy is one of innovation and creative genius.
He took traditional Argentine folk music and transformed it into something new and exciting.
His music has inspired generations of musicians and continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world. Below are some of Astor Piazzolla's most famous compositions:
Adios Nonino
Adios Nonino is often said to be Astor Piazzolla's most famous song. It was written in 1964 after Piazzolla's father died. The title comes from a nickname that Piazzolla's father carried. According to Latino Life:
“Piazzolla wrote this as a farewell to his father (Nonino) and from the first introductory chords of the piano, the intense nostalgia of the farewell to loved ones who are no longer with us is intoxicating. Each note that is played, each chord that resonates, reminds us of those important people in our lives, like my father, whom we have loved and who are no longer with us."
This tango is a beautiful tribute to Astor Piazzolla's father and to all fathers who have departed this world.
With its upbeat introduction that slowly transitions into a slow and sad tune, Adios Nonino is sure to bring a tear to your eye.
Oblivion
Oblivion is another one of Astor Piazzolla's famous tangos.
It was written in 1982 and is one of the most popular tangos ever written.
This tango is about lost love and the feeling of emptiness that comes with it. This piece is a slow, sad tango that touches the heart.
Those who listen to Oblivion will get a feeling of nostalgia and longing.
Libertango
Libertango is an emblematic piece that Astor Piazzolla wrote in 1974. It is a tango that speaks of liberty and freedom.
This piece has been covered by many artists and continues to be one of the most popular tangos ever written. This piece emphasized Astor Piazzolla's break from Classical Tango to Tango Nuevo.
Las Ciudades
Las Ciudades shows the ambition and materialism of society. It is a well-written piece that has a lot of feelings and emotions.
This piece is about the hustle and bustle of city life and how it can be overwhelming for most people.
Violentango
This piece will drive listeners to engage in an almost chaotic dance just to keep up with the music.
It is a very intense piece and can be quite overwhelming for some people. Astor Piazzolla wrote this in 1989 and it is one of his most popular pieces.
Classical Tango vs Tango Nuevo
There are two types of tango: Classical tango and Tango Nuevo.
Classical tango is the original form of the dance, originating in the 1880s in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. It is characterized by its simple steps and elegant turns.
Tango Nuevo, on the other hand, is a more modern form of classical tango dance that emerged in the 1930s. It is distinguished by its more complex steps and innovative movements.
While both styles of tango are enjoyed by dancers all over the world, they have their own distinct flavors.
Classical tango focuses more on the feeling of the music, while Tango Nuevo puts more emphasis on the steps and movement of the dance. Astor Piazzolla is one of the most famous tango musicians, and he is known for his unique style of Tango Nuevo. His music is characterized by its use of dissonance, chromaticism, and counterpoint.
Although Classical tango was the foundation of his musical style, Astor Piazzolla's music transcends genre. He has been credited with bringing tango to the concert stage and making it accessible to a wider audience.
By deviating from the traditional sound of Tango, Astor Piazzolla created a new genre of music that would change the landscape of tango forever.
Astor Piazzolla pushed so many boundaries throughout his career. He was always innovating and experimenting with new sounds. His most famous composition, "Adios Nonino," is a perfect example of this. With this piece, he was able to take the traditional Tango sound and infuse it with his unique style.
Since classical tango was supposed to be more on the mellow side, Astor Piazzolla's Tango Nuevo was a complete 180. It was much more upbeat and had a lot more energy. This new sound caught on like wildfire, and Astor Piazzolla quickly became a household name. It's safe to say that Astor Piazzolla was a true pioneer in the world of music. He will always be remembered as one of the most influential musicians of our time.
Audience Response
Before Tango Nuevo was introduced to the world, there was an old Argentine proverb that emphasized that tango never changes. However, this was before Astor Piazzolla came along and completely changed the game. According to Deutsche Welle,
he is often credited as the inventor of Tango Nuevo, a new style of tango that incorporated elements of classical music and jazz. Astor Piazzolla's unique sound made him one of the most famous and influential tango musicians of all time.
Despite being a controversial figure in the world of Tango, Astor Piazzolla's music was and still is extremely popular. His pieces have been covered by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Sting and Yo-Yo Ma. Astor Piazzolla's influence can still be heard today in a lot of modern Tango music.
He changed the face of Tango forever and his legacy will continue to live on through his music.
People from different parts of the world responded to his music in a way that no other Tango musician has been able to achieve.
This is because Astor Piazzolla's music was able to transcend cultural barriers. It didn't matter if you were from Argentina or Japan, his music spoke to everyone. Astor Piazzolla's passion for tango was evident in every single piece of music he wrote.
Even though not everyone could understand the lyrics, they could feel the emotion in his music. That's what made Astor Piazzolla so special.
He was able to touch people's hearts with his music and that's something that will never be forgotten.
Astor Piazzolla: Only Human
Of course, Astor Piazzolla was questioned and critiqued by many people throughout his career. Some people thought he was "selling out" by incorporating different genres into Tango. But Astor Piazzolla never cared about what other people thought. He wanted to create the music that he felt in his heart and soul.
That's what made Astor Piazzolla so special.
He was unafraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what Tango could be. He truly believed in his vision for music and he never gave up on his dreams.
In a way, he was able to succeed in communicating through his music what many people feel but cannot express in words.
Astor Piazzolla's legacy continues today. His music has inspired countless other musicians and will continue to do so for generations to come. He proved that it was possible to communicate, even without using words. In the event that he did incorporate lyrics into his music, he always made sure that they carried a deeper meaning.
Because of this, Astor Piazzolla will always be remembered as the musician who enhanced and completely transformed classical tango. Even though classical tango is an art form that is often associated with Argentina, Piazzolla's music has managed to transcend all borders.
With this transformation, plenty of musicians around the world were inspired to challenge themselves and explore new possibilities within their own art forms. Boundaries are now considered to be made to be broken, all thanks to the musical genius of Astor Piazzolla.
Conclusion
Astor Piazzolla single handedly changed the way we perceive and enjoy music.
His passion for tango, as well as his willingness to experiment with new sounds, has resulted in some of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music ever composed.
Through Tango Nuevo, Astor Piazzolla was able to bring the tango to a whole new level — one that has since inspired countless other musicians to do the same.
Astor was an inspiration to musicians who thought outside the box, and his legacy continues to live on through their music.