Composer

:

Astor Piazzolla

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1957 - 1965

Average_duration

:

7:53

"El ángel" is a tango composition by the Argentine composer and bandoneón player Astor Piazzolla. It was composed in 1954 and premiered in Buenos Aires the same year. The piece is part of Piazzolla's "Angel Series," which includes other compositions such as "Milonga del Ángel" and "La Muerte del Ángel." "El ángel" is a single-movement piece that lasts approximately six minutes. It is written for a quintet consisting of bandoneón, violin, piano, electric guitar, and double bass. The piece begins with a slow, mournful melody played by the bandoneón, which is then joined by the other instruments. The melody is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and chromaticism, which give it a haunting quality. As the piece progresses, the tempo gradually increases, and the music becomes more rhythmic and dance-like. The bandoneón takes on a more prominent role, playing virtuosic runs and trills that showcase Piazzolla's mastery of the instrument. The electric guitar also plays a prominent role, adding a modern, edgy sound to the traditional tango instrumentation. The climax of the piece features a frenzied, syncopated section that showcases the virtuosity of all the instruments. The music then gradually slows down, returning to the mournful melody of the opening section. The piece ends with a final, melancholy chord played by the bandoneón. Overall, "El ángel" is a powerful and evocative piece that showcases Piazzolla's unique blend of traditional tango music with modernist harmonies and rhythms. Its haunting melody and virtuosic instrumentation make it a classic of the tango repertoire.

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