Duo Praxedis makes musical magic with Piazzolla’s New Tangos

ALL ABOUT THE ARTS

Praxedis Hug-Rütti, harp and Praxedis Geneviève Hug, piano are the Praxedis Duo, and in their double CD PIAZZOLLA (ARS38592) for ARS PRODUKTION they bring to vivid life seventeen pieces by Astor Piazzolla that range from the large scale Le Grand Tango to the multi-faceted Tangata which seems to salute Debussy from the shores of the River Plate before kicking up its heels.

A casual look at what recorded music by Piazzolla is available and who plays it will reveal that cellists, pianists, violinists, chamber orchestras and, of course, Piazzolla himself on the Bandoneón have embraced this vibrantly varied music from the southernmost country in the Americas. But a duo made up of harp and piano playing Piazzolla’s angular, muscular New Tango? Not that I can recall… So it is with complete delight that I report that the results of this initiative are wonderful.

Hug-Rütti’s plays with consummate technique, summoning from what is, essentially a lyrical, melodic instrument all the necessary colors, dynamics and rhythmic drive of a one-person orchestra. Geneviève Hug has full command of her instrument, providing percussiveness when needed, melody when essential, contrapuntal tension and release at times, and harmonic underpinning throughout. Together the two accomplished artists create musical magic in this indispensable album.

Praxedis Hug-Rütti, harp Praxedis Geneviève Hug, piano play Astor Piazzolla’s Revirado… Introducción al Ángel… Muerte del Ángel… Milonga del Ángel…Violentango Undertango…Michelangelo…Tangata…Decarísimo…Adios Nonino…Suite Porteña de Balle…Libertango…Buenos Aires Hora Cero…Verano Porteño…Fuga y misterio…Oblivion…

Rafael de Acha ALL ABOUT THE ARTS

Published by ALL ABOUT THE ARTS

Rafael de Acha has enjoyed a distinguished career in the arts as a performer, stage director, producer, and educator. He was born and grew up in Cuba. At the age of 17 he moved to the United States to study Drama at the University of Minnesota, and later Languages at L.A. City College, Music at the Juilliard School of Music, at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, and at the New England Conservatory of Music, from which he received the Master's degree. He has taught courses on the History of Music at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and at Florida International University, and contributed writings and reviews to Seen and Heard International (www.seenandheard-international.com ) and to this blog. He co-founded the award-winning New Theatre in Coral Gables, Florida, where he produced and staged twenty seasons of classical and contemporary theater, including fifty world premieres of plays that went on to have international and national productions on and off Broadway, including Ana in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz (Pulitzer Prize for Drama 2002 and Tony Nomination 2003.) In 2006 he was presented with a citation from The Dade County Cultural Affairs Council for “trailblazing contributions to the arts in South Florida.”