Astor Piazzolla

Astor Piazzolla (March 11, 1921 – July 4, 1992) is widely considered the most important tango composer of the latter Twentieth Century. In addition to his work as a bandoneon player, his compositions revolutionized the traditional ta

Astor Piazzolla (March 11, 1921 – July 4, 1992) is widely considered the most important tango composer of the latter Twentieth Century. In addition to his work as a bandoneon player, his compositions revolutionized the traditional tango with a modern style — incorporating elements from jazz and classical music in a style termed nuevo tango. He is known in his native land of Argentina as "El Gran Astor" ("The Great Astor").

Born in Argentina in 1921, Piazzolla spent most of his childhood with his family in New York City. While there, he acquired fluency in four languages: Spanish, English, French, and Italian. In addition, he picked up the bandoneon, quickly rising to the status of child prodigy. While still quite young, he met Carlos Gardel, another great figure of Argentine tango. He returned to Argentina in 1937, where strictly traditional tango still reigned, and played in night clubs with a series of mediocre groups. Finally, the pianist Arthur Rubinstein (then living in Buenos Aires) advised him to study with the Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera. Delving into scores of Stravinsky, Bartók, Ravel, and others, he gave up tango temporarily and worked as a modernist classical composer.