Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1928

Death

:

2003

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Julián Plaza was a renowned Argentine composer and bandoneon player who made significant contributions to the development of tango music. Born on September 29, 1928, in the city of Buenos Aires, Plaza grew up in a family of musicians. His father, a bandoneon player, introduced him to the instrument at a young age, and he quickly developed a passion for it. Plaza's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking bandoneon lessons from his father. He also learned to play the piano and the guitar, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already performing in local tango clubs. In 1946, at the age of 18, Plaza joined the orchestra of the legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel, who had died in a plane crash in 1935 but whose music continued to be popular in Argentina and around the world. Plaza's time with Gardel's orchestra was short-lived, as the group disbanded soon after he joined. However, he continued to play in various tango orchestras and gained a reputation as a talented bandoneon player. In the 1950s, he formed his own orchestra, which became known for its innovative arrangements and compositions. One of Plaza's most famous compositions is "Nocturna," a tango that he wrote in 1959. The piece is characterized by its haunting melody and melancholic mood, and it has become a classic of the tango repertoire. Another notable work by Plaza is "Payadora," a milonga that he composed in 1960. The piece is named after a female gaucho who was known for her skill with the guitar, and it features intricate guitar and bandoneon solos. Plaza's music was influenced by a variety of styles, including classical music, jazz, and Argentine folk music. He was particularly interested in the music of the composer Astor Piazzolla, who was also a bandoneon player and had revolutionized tango music in the 1950s and 1960s. Plaza and Piazzolla were friends and collaborators, and they shared a commitment to pushing the boundaries of tango music. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Plaza was also a respected music educator. He taught at the National Conservatory of Music in Buenos Aires and mentored many young musicians who went on to become successful tango performers and composers. Plaza continued to compose and perform throughout his life, and his music remains popular in Argentina and around the world. He died on June 11, 2003, at the age of 74, but his legacy lives on through his recordings and the many musicians who have been inspired by his work. In conclusion, Julián Plaza was a talented and influential composer and bandoneon player who made significant contributions to the development of tango music. His innovative arrangements and compositions helped to push the boundaries of the genre, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today. Plaza's music is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Argentina and the enduring power of tango music.

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