Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) was a world-famous virtuoso tango composer and bandoneón player from Argentina. Piazzolla combined tango with jazz and classical music and played the bandoneón with a variety of ensembles.

This year is the 20th anniversary of Piazzolla's death. To pay homage to him, a septet from France has embarked on a world tour named Piazzolla Forever in which they play rearrangements of the composer's songs.

The leader of the group is Richard Galliano, a 62-year-old French accordionist and bandoneón player with an Italian heritage. Other members of the septet are Sébastien Surel and Bertrand Cervera, who play the violin; Jean-Marc Apap, who plays the viola; Eric Levionnois, who plays the cello; Stéphane Logerot, who plays the bass; and Dimitri Na ditch, who plays the piano.

Original rendition

Galliano's septet started their world tour concert in Stockholm in February before playing in major cities in Sweden, Finland, France and Germany. The group came to Asia in September. After performing eight concerts on the Chinese mainland, the septet will play a Bach concerto and concerti by Astor Piazzolla with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan.

The group will play at the Shanghai Concert Hall on September 29. The concert will mainly feature string quartet, piano and double bass renditions of works that Piazzolla composed for the bandoneón.

Galliano explained: "The Piazzolla compositions we will play were designed as quintets to be played by bandoneón players. Our renditions produce a result closer to chamber music, which is a sound ideal for enjoying this kind of music."

Emotional experience

In addition to renditions of Piazzolla's works, the septet will also perform new arrangements of La Cumparsita and Libertango and a special piece called Laura and Astor.

Galliano says that Piazzolla's music has had a significant influence on him.

"Piazzolla's music taught me the importance of phrasing and the dynamics of melody. As someone with Italian roots, I also enjoy its harmony and melody," he said.

He added that listening to Piazzolla's music is an emotional experience: "Piazzolla's music comes from the heart and aims to reach the hearts of those who listen."

Date: September 29, 7:30 pm

Venue: Shanghai Concert Hall

上海音乐厅

Address: 523 Yan'an Road East

延安东路523号

Tickets: 50 to 580 yuan

Call 6217-3055 for details