Astor Piazzolla’s start as a composer began in 1943 when he composed a classical piece after studying under a classical pianist, Raúl Spivak. By the following year, differing musical philosophies drove Piazzolla toward new ideas.
Piazzolla formed his own orchestra that gave him the opportunities to explore his thoughts on tango music. His first proper tango composition appeared in 1946. Always on the hunt for his own musical style, Piazzolla was committed to studying music and was particularly fond of jazz.
He would have given up tango music in 1954, had it not been for a chance to study under the prominent French composition teacher Nadia Boulanger in Paris, who saw Piazzolla’s gift in Tango music. After years of hard work and perseverance, Piazzolla then became one of the world’s best-known composers.
Here are the 12 Cellists of the Berlin Philharmonic to share this music with you: