In celebration of Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992), the "Emperor of Tango," a special concert series titled Happy Birthday Piazzolla – Cuatrocientos will take place in South Korea this March. Marking Piazzolla’s birthday on March 11, the performances will pay tribute to his transformative contributions to tango and offer audiences a deep dive into his remarkable musical journey.
The concert series will begin on March 8 at the Daejeon Arts Center Ensemble Hall, continue on March 9 at the Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall, and conclude on March 30 at the Busan Cultural Center Medium Theater. Headlining the event is the renowned Japanese tango ensemble Cuatrocientos, composed of violinist Aida Momoko, pianist Hayashi Masaki, bassist Nishijima Toru, and bandoneonist Kitamura Satoshi. This marks their first return to South Korea in six years, promising an exceptional display of tango mastery.
The performances will explore Piazzolla’s life and music across four thematic acts. Beginning with his early years, the first segment, Happy Birthday Piazzolla, reflects on his introduction to the bandoneon, a cornerstone of tango music. The instrument, often described as the "flower of tango," played a pivotal role in shaping his identity as a musician. The second act, Piazzolla Meets Classical Music, highlights his midlife exploration of classical techniques, including his mastery of counterpoint, which later became a defining element of his compositions. In the third act, Piazzolla and Film Scores, the program showcases his contributions to cinema, drawing from over 40 film soundtracks that reflect his versatility and enduring appeal. The final act, Nuevo Tango: The Great Astor, celebrates his revolutionary creation of nuevo tango, a genre that merged traditional tango with classical and jazz influences. This segment will also explore the story behind his iconic composition Adios Nonino, a poignant tribute to his late father.
To enhance the audience’s understanding of Piazzolla’s work, violist Lee Shin Gyu will serve as a narrator, providing accessible and insightful commentary on his life and music. By contextualizing the performances, Lee aims to bring Piazzolla’s artistry closer to the audience, showcasing how his work redefined tango on a global scale.
Stomp Music, the event’s organizer, described the concerts as both a homage to Piazzolla’s genius and an invitation for audiences to immerse themselves in the rich emotions and innovative structures of his music. Through these performances, Piazzolla’s enduring legacy as a pioneer who bridged genres and reshaped tango will once again come to life for a modern audience.
Sayart / Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com
