Misa Tango
This disc offers an unusual – and fun – Mass containing some moving choral writing, plus some ingeniously scored tangos as fill-ups
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Luis Bacalov, Astor Piazzolla
Label: DG
Magazine Review Date: 2/2001
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 54
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 463 471-2GH
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Misa Tango |
Luis Bacalov, Composer
Ana-María Martínez, Mezzo soprano Luis Bacalov, Composer Myung-Whun Chung, Conductor Plácido Domingo, Tenor Santa Cecilia Academy Chorus, Rome Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra, Rome |
Adiós Nonino |
Astor Piazzolla, Composer
Astor Piazzolla, Composer Hèctor-Ulises Passarella, Bandoneon Luis Bacalov, Piano Myung-Whun Chung, Conductor Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra, Rome |
Libertango |
Astor Piazzolla, Composer
Astor Piazzolla, Composer Hèctor-Ulises Passarella, Bandoneon Luis Bacalov, Piano Myung-Whun Chung, Conductor Santa Cecilia Academy Orchestra, Rome |
Author: Ivan March
I am not sure how I feel about a Mass based on Latin American rhythms, and with obbligato decorations from a bandoneon, which is a kind of accordion (it is pictured in the notes), although at times it sounds rather more like a harmonica. Luis Bacalov is a composer of film music and his Mass setting is very eclectic indeed. The chorus open the Kyrie mysteriously, but the bandoneon makes its presence felt in the fifth bar. The Gloria is very jolly and rhythmically syncopated; both soloists participate, then the chorus join them spiritedly. The Credo is very Latin American (‘Tempo di Milonga’). The bandoneon introduces the Sanctus, followed by the cello, before the chorus enter with an ostinato very like Orff. The Agnus Dei is shared by soloists and chorus, and is the most extended movement. Here there are choral passages of touchingly serene intensity, and the closing cadence is very positive. The Mass is sung in Spanish, but a translation is provided.
Stylistically, this music works surprisingly well, and the writing is agreeably melodic. I think it might become very popular, but I’m not sure that I personally would want to return to it very often. The three tangos offered as encores are scored very sophisticatedly. Each uses a concertante piano, and Bacalov is a brilliant pianist. How can I sum up? This music occupies its own world, with many influences (even hints of Gershwin in the pianistic writing). It is very well performed, although it does not make great demands on its soloists. The recording too is first class, vivid and warmly atmospheric. But it’s a CD to sample before purchase.'
Stylistically, this music works surprisingly well, and the writing is agreeably melodic. I think it might become very popular, but I’m not sure that I personally would want to return to it very often. The three tangos offered as encores are scored very sophisticatedly. Each uses a concertante piano, and Bacalov is a brilliant pianist. How can I sum up? This music occupies its own world, with many influences (even hints of Gershwin in the pianistic writing). It is very well performed, although it does not make great demands on its soloists. The recording too is first class, vivid and warmly atmospheric. But it’s a CD to sample before purchase.'
Discover the world's largest classical music catalogue with Presto Music.
Gramophone Digital Club
- Digital Edition
- Digital Archive
- Reviews Database
- Full website access
From £8.75 / month
SubscribeGramophone Full Club
- Print Edition
- Digital Edition
- Digital Archive
- Reviews Database
- Full website access
From £11.00 / month
Subscribe
If you are a library, university or other organisation that would be interested in an institutional subscription to Gramophone please click here for further information.