Canyengue, The Soul of Tango

The term ‘Canyengue,’ pronounced “Ca-jen-geh,” refers to the early style of tango – raw, provocative, sensual – that developed on the streets of the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the 20s and 30s. Says Beiser, “Much like Swing in American music, Tango has evolved from a simple form of dance into a sophisticated and complex genre of music. ” That tranformation is exemplified in this program, which centers on the work of Astor Piazzolla, who revolutionized the genre with his brilliant, classically-inspired compositions.

Ziegler was a member of Piazzolla’s New Tango Quintet for ten years, and instrumental in refining the sound that elevated tango music from dance clubs to the concert hall. Ziegler carries that legacy forward in his own compelling music, which has propelled him to international prominence. Beiser, born in Israel to an Argentinian father and a French mother, grew up listening to tango; in 1999 she payed tribute to Piazzolla with her acclaimed recording Oblivión, with pianist Anthony de Mare.

“I grew up in an Argentinean Kibbutz in Israel,” says Beiser. “My father, a music lover and avid record collector, had a vast library of tango music, from street tangos to the more sophisticated Nuevo Tangos of Carlos Gardel and Astor Piazzolla. This music was my connection to my father’s family and history in Argentina. Though we were in Israel, we would spend long weekends drinking Maté, grilling Asado , listening to Tango, and listening to my father’s stories about Gauchos and riding horses in the Pampas. I love the immediacy, rawness, and earthiness of this music as well as its sensuality and melancholy.”

Along with Piazzolla classics like Libertango and Adíos Nonino, Beiser and Ziegler will perform some lesser-known works, including the propulsive and virtuosic Escualo, the stately Milonga Sin Palabras, and the Bach-inspired Fuga y Mysterio, all newly arranged by Ziegler for cello and piano. They will also play a selection of Ziegler’s compositions, including his evocative Milonga del Adios and his jazz-infused Places. In addition, Beiser will take the solo spotlight with a signature piece, Osvaldo Golijov’s Mariel.

6:30pm Doors // 7:30pm Show

$20 Day of Show // $15 Advance // Free for LPR Members