Antonio Gavrila – Tango Suite Buenos Aires (Zoho ZM 202309, 2023)
The 27-year-old Bucharest-based Romanian pianist and composer Antonio Gavrila (Florin-Anton Gavrila) ventures into the realm of Astor Piazzolla-style Tango Nuevo on Tango Suite Buenos Aires. Notably, he leads a trio of seasoned tango maestros from Buenos Aires, Walther Castro, Quique Sinesi, and Horacio “Mono” Hurtado.
The core element of this project is undeniably Gavrila’s exquisite “Suite Buenos Aires,” a composition inspired by Piazzolla’s iconic “Angel Suite.” Each piece within the suite serves as a vivid image, capturing the essence of Gavrila’s observations and encounters during the album’s recording in Buenos Aires.
The suite begins with the poignant solo piano cadenza, “Tristeza” (‘Sadness’), crafted in the tradition of Piazzolla and echoing the composer’s reverence for the circle of fifths. This brief introspection seamlessly segues into the first movement, “Nuevos Tiempos,” an expertly arranged ensemble piece that intricately weaves counterpoint between piano, bandoneon, and guitar. Gavrila describes it as a manifestation of his musical rebirth, marking a transformative period after 15 years immersed in western classical music studies. His jazz-infused solo, complemented by Hurtado’s steadfast ‘walking’ bass lines, precedes an animated fugue involving piano, bandoneon, and guitar, building up to a resounding climax.
Continuing the thematic exploration, the melodic motif from ‘Nuevos Tiempos’ gracefully transitions into the second movement, “Nostálgico.” Gavrila acknowledges the profound effect of Piazzolla’s ‘La Camorra’ theme, harking back to the three-movement suite from the 1989 American Clave album. This suite, a passionate homage, serves as a powerful connection to Gavrila’s early exposure to Piazzolla’s transformative work.
Honestly, don’t pass up the chance to discover this incredible music, where Argentine tango elegantly meets western classical music and contemporary jazz.
Musicians: Antonio Gavrila on piano; Walther Castro on bandoneon; Quique Sinesi on guitar; and Horacio “Mono” Hurtado on bass.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
