Astor Piazzolla emerged from a background of disparate musical influences to redefine the sonic landscape of his native Argentina. Born in 1921 in Mar del Plata, he transitioned from a childhood spent in New York City to becoming an influential composer, conductor, and bandoneon player who integrated jazz and classical frameworks into the traditional tango format.
Early Musical Development
Piazzolla began playing the bandoneon in 1929 after discovering the instrument in a pawn shop. His early exposure to tango orchestras, classical music, and jazz informed his development as a musician. By 1932, he composed his first tango, La Catinga. In 1934, he met Carlos Gardel and appeared in the film El día que me quieras. His formal education included study with the Hungarian pianist Béla Wilda, who taught him to interpret Bach on the bandoneon.
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Moving to Buenos Aires in 1938, Piazzolla joined the orchestra of Aníbal Troilo, serving as a bandoneonist and arranger. During this period, he studied orchestration with Alberto Ginastera and piano with Raúl Spivak. Between 1946 and 1950, he led his Orquesta Típica, composing works such as El Desbande and writing scores for films including Con los mismos colores and Bólidos de acero.
Evolution of Nuevo Tango
After a period of focusing on classical studies, including work with conductor Hermann Scherchen, Piazzolla returned to his instrument to forge a unique style. In 1953, he won a grant to study with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. He later produced significant compositions including Libertango, María de Buenos Aires, Adiós Nonino, Estaciones Porteñas, Five Tango Sensations, Histoire du Tango, Le Grand Tango, and Suite del Ángel.
Fast facts
- Born: 1921, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Died: 1992, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Primary Instrument: Bandoneon
- Notable Composition: Libertango
- Notable Composition: Adiós Nonino
- Award: César Award for Best Music Written for a Film (1986)
- Award: Latin Grammy Hall of Fame (2001)
- Burial Site: Cementerio Jardín de Paz de Pilar
Questions readers ask
What characterizes Piazzolla's musical style?
He developed a style known as nuevo tango, which incorporates elements from jazz and classical music into traditional tango.
Where is Astor Piazzolla buried?
He is buried at the Cementerio Jardín de Paz de Pilar.
Achievements
- Latin Grammy Hall of Fame — 2001
- Notable work: Adiós Nonino
- Notable work: Libertango
- Notable work: Estaciones Porteñas
- Notable work: Suite del Ángel
- Instruments: bandoneon
- Genres: opera, nuevo tango and tango
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