Oblivion: Music By Astor Piazzola & Joaquin Nin CD

A slightly older release from Astor Piazzolla on the old Atoll label. A number of tracks feature Jose Angel Trelles singing, along with the band that Piazzolla had put together. The tangos are, as always, perfection (this is what Piazzolla did, and he did it very well). There are some relative rarities here, such as "Jeanne Y Paul" and "Olhos de Resaca." among others. The orchestration can become a bit too dense from time to time (such as on "Oblivion 2"), but the craftsmanship is still generally superb. In general, this album contains works that are somewhat denser than Piazzolla's usually sparse style, and perhaps at a lower tempo than much of his work. The vocal work by Trelles is reminiscent in ways of Horacio Ferrer's work in the Maria de Buenos Aires opera (and indeed, a few of the songs Trelles sings are from the opera), and in many ways simply similar to a flamenco singer. The album is perhaps more rare than much of Piazzolla's work, which has in large part been re-released, but it may be worth the effort to find for a collector. For newcomers, a multitude of other albums would stand in rather better as an introduction. ~ Adam Greenberg

Maya Beiser,Cello & Anthony De Mare,Piano

Photographers: Lili Almog; Andrea Felvegi.

Arrangers: Astor Piazzolla; Maya Beiser; Anthony de Mare.

Personnel: Astor Piazzolla (accordion); Maya Beiser (cello); Anthony de Mare (piano).

Recording information: SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center, Recital, Purchase (05/1998).