Music / Quinteto Astor Piazzolla. At The Street, March 15. Reviewed by LEN POWER.

QUINTETO Astor Piazzolla gave a spell-binding concert at The Street. 

These five virtuoso soloists that make up Quinteto Astor Piazzolla have been touring the world and playing the music of legendary Argentinean composer, Astor Piazzolla.

Modelled on Piazzolla’s own ’60s quintet, the ensemble was founded by his widow, Laura Escalada Piazzolla, with the mission to protect and promote her late husband’s legacy.

Pablo Mainetti on tango music’s unique bandoneon instrument, Bárbara Varassi Pega on piano, Serdar Geldymuradov on violin, Armando de la Vega on guitar and Daniel Falasca on double bass make up this extraordinary group.

Piazzolla’s music is an unorthodox mix of traditional tango, classical, jazz and popular music such as Neapolitan songs and klezmer.

With only a brief introduction, the group played one number after another without a break. It was all Piazzolla’s distinctive music and there were a couple of well-known items presented, but most of the concert showcased less familiar works.

What was heard was spell-binding as these masterful musicians moved through the colourful repertoire of this extraordinary composer.

While the music is complex, it is accessible and enjoyable to listen to. At times fiery and passionate and then moody and reflective, it’s hard to guess where each piece is going with the unexpectedly changing tempos. Driving, sensuous rhythms and beautiful melodies surprise and delight.

Each musician displays virtuosity with dominant solo moments within the works, but it is when they are playing together that magic is truly created.

The audience appreciated their playing so much that they returned for two encores.