Astor Piazzolla's eclectic background brought numerous influences to his unique music. His parents were Italian immigrants to Argentina, and although he was born in the coastal resort city of Mar del Plata in 1921, he spent fifteen years growing up in New York City before the family returned to Argentina. It was during this time in New York that Piazzolla learned his signature instrument, the bandoneon, which is closely related to the accordion. Also in New York, he met tango musician and bandleader Carlos Gardel and studied music with Bela Wilda, a student of Rachmaninov. By the time the teenaged Piazzolla returned to Argentina, he was already synthesizing such diverse traditions as classical music and the Argentine tango -with jazz to enter later as another major influence.

Inspired by The Four Seasons of Vivaldi, Piazzolla composed four tangos over a six-year period (1964-70) and published them as The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. Each tango is a unique blending of the syncopations of the dance, Bach-like counterpoint, touches of Romantic, impressionistic music, and jazz. Originally the pieces were conceived as separate compositions rather than one suite, but Piazzolla himself established the practice of performing them as a set.

The four tangos were originally scored for a quintet of violin, piano, electric guitar, double bass and bandoneon. However, they have been arranged for a wide assortment of groups, including Leonid Desyatnikov’s adaptation for violin and string orchestra, created for and made famous by Gidon Kremer, as well as string and saxophone quartets, six cellos and double bass among others. Today you will hear the acclaimed piano trio version by Italian-born Argentine cellist, composer, conductor, arranger and musical archivist José Bragato personally approved and endorsed by Piazzolla himself.

Each of the four seasons in Buenos Aires has its unique character. Spring is a lively fugue, Summer is outdoor music seasoned with street noises, Autumn is a busy time of year, and Winter is quiet and a bit desolate.