“Libertango stands for the freedom which I allow for my musicians. Their limits are defined solely by the extent of their own capabilities and not through any exterior pressure.”― Composer Astor Piazzolla.
Music and dance in a passionate and delightful performance of Astor Piazzolla’s masterpiece “Libertango” by dancers: Inna Svechnikova and Dmitry Chernysh, Soloists: Yuri Medyanik (bandoneon) and Rodion Petrov (violin) with FONOGRAF JAZZ–BAND Orchestra Under the leading of Sergey Zhilin – This Russian musician has long been known in the jazz circles of Europe and the USA- at Moscow International House of Music, Svetlanov Hall in September 30, 2010.
This piece “Libertango” (Meaning Liberty Tango) was published in 1974. The title is made by combining two words “Libertad” (Spanish for liberty) and “Tango”, symbolizing Piazzolla’s break from Classical Tango to his beloved and ever-popular Tango Nuevo or “New Tango”. It marks a change in style for Argentinian bandoneon-player and composer Astor Piazzolla from classical tango to nuevo tango. He revolutionised tango music, by breaking the rules of traditional tango and Fusing together elements of jazz and classical music into his tango compositions. He freed his country’s iconic music and dance form from the socially defined context of its origins and brought it to international concert halls. His revolution towards traditional tango sparked some very fierce criticism from many, who sadly claim that he distorted tango and called him a traitor, ”non tango musician”… But he continued his experimentation with Tango Nuevo which made him among the great composers of the 20th Century with a very successful, prolific and innovative music career. His name has become synonymous with tango, as well.
Piazzolla’s Nuevo tango was a free tango that he defined it with the equation:
Nuevo tango = tango + tragedy + comedy + whorehouse.
By virtue of that instantly recognizable rhythmic pattern and pulse, percussive drive, and passionate tone, Piazzolla’s music encapsulated the traditions and origins of tango while elevating the genre to new heights of craftsmanship and art.
Also listen: Astor Piazzolla – Oblivion
Maybe this dance in the video is not the classic Argentinian dancing style, But It is certainly free tango dance style. However, Tango was born from the suburbs along the Río de la Plata, the natural border between Argentina and Uruguay. It has influences from African, Native American and European culture, with instruments of European immigrants who arrived there from Italy, Germany, mixing with the basic guitar and piano.
