Astor Piazzolla may be most famous for moving the Tango from the dance floor to the stage. He stretched the classical harmonies and counterpoints and blended it into contemporary life and related it to modern dance. Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango was produced in 1974, after his European agent pressured him to write more “airplay-friendly” pieces. Libertango was produced during a musical period in Piazzolla’s life where he was working with the electric Conjunto 9. His work had a more commercial, rock and jazz influenced sound, versus the traditional Tango. But Libertango was a piece that was a blend of two different worlds, and when his music changed to a more intimate and earlier sound, Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango survived the transition.
Libertango translates from the Spanish ‘Liberty’, and Tango. This piece is a major step in Piazzolla’s life, representing the break from Classical Tango to Tango Nuevo. Libertango most represents this iconic change in Piazzolla’s music. It has been redone throughout the years, in Grace Jone’s song ‘I’ve Seen That Face Before’, in Jazz Madolin’s song, ‘Jungle Tango’, and in Guy Marchand’s song ‘Moi Je Suis Tango’. Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango is a blend of traditional sounds from Argentina Tango with new and exciting elements from the evolving world of Tango. His exciting piece features blends of old and new elements of music, melodic melodies, and exciting instruments.
Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango begins with a fast and rapid piano solo with an acoustic and electric bass support. Piazzolla’s bandoneon comes into play and remains heard throughout the entire song. Libertango is a harsh, faster song that survives the different styles of Tango. Libertango was widely accepted in Europe, and was one of his most popular Tangos. This piece was popular amongst almost everyone in Europe, not just other composers or fans of Tango. Libertango is not smooth enough for dance, and it is too frantic to be a successful song, however it is one of the best, most pure concert tangos. Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango is several things, propelling, provoking, dynamic, and relentless. Astor Piazzolla remains one of the greatest Tango composers of all time, with the way he moved from style to style effortlessly. Libertango became a sign of the Tango of Liberty, and remains a successful piece of concert Tango.