Rough Dancer And The Cyclical Night

"Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night" is a captivating exploration of tango, crafted by the legendary Astor Piazzolla. Recorded in New York City in 1987, this album was originally developed as a theater performance, delving into the rich history of tango. Piazzolla, renowned for his mastery of the bandoneon, leads his Quinteto Tango Nuevo through a series of 14 evocative tracks, each one a testament to his innovative approach to the genre.

The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including the virtuoso Paquito D'Rivera on saxophone, Pablo Ziegler and Pablo Zinger on piano, and other talented artists who bring Piazzolla's compositions to life. The music is interspersed with recitations of texts based on the poem "The Cyclical Night" by Luis Borges, adding a literary depth that complements the musical narrative.

"Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night" is a sophisticated yet accessible introduction to the world of Nuevo Tango. It tells a story of life in the arrabal, the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, through a series of danced pieces and instrumental interludes. The album's themes of eternal return and the cyclical nature of history are beautifully woven into the music, making it a profound and engaging listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned tango enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of Astor Piazzolla's unique musical vision.

Astor Piazzolla, born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, in 1921, was a revolutionary figure in the world of tango music. As a virtuoso bandoneon player and composer, Piazzolla transformed traditional tango into a innovative style known as nuevo tango, blending elements of jazz and classical music. His compositions, characterized by their emotional depth and harmonic complexity, have left an indelible mark on the genre. Piazzolla's work, though controversial in his home country, has been celebrated worldwide, earning him the title of "the world's foremost composer of tango music" from American music critic Stephen Holden. His legacy continues to inspire, with his moody, evocative pieces captivating audiences and musicians alike.