It is sometimes overlooked that tango – at least as it has appeared in classical forms – is primarily a vocal medium, full of passion. As an album, “Rojotango” (“Red Tango”) was conceived as a vehicle for Erwin Schrott, a native of Uruguay, and presents a curious mix of pieces and styles, all infused with the spirit of Latina. That spirit manifests itself variously in lyrical-sentimental ballads such as Piazzolla’s renowned “Oblivion”, Dori Caymmi’s “Saveiros” or Ziegler’s “Milonga en el viento” to the sharp and angular Nuevo tango vigour of the title-track, Piazzolla’s “Rinascerò” (with its juggernaut-like momentum that Schrott audibly relishes) and Caetano Veloso’s invigorating closing number, “Desde que o samba é samba”, in which at last the spirit of the Rio carnival bursts into view. In between lie Violeta Parra’s delightful “Gracias a la vida”, a warm-hearted, hand-clapping scherzo of a song, and Jobim’s smoochy, bossanova-like “Insensatez”.

All the songs are given in arrangements by pianist-conductor Pablo Ziegler, composer of the highly charged “Red Tango” itself. He shows real empathy for the material and, with what one assumes is a scratch band of musicians, provides an excellent platform to support Schrott’s dark-hued and gripping performances. Schrott may have made his name in opera but he proves a vital exponent of these smaller forms. His booklet-note reveals his familiarity with and love for the medium and his performances echo this. A shame that the song texts are not included; Sony’s recording is excellent.