Astor Piazzolla

Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) was an Argentinean composer of tangos, known for developing the dance into a sophisticated vehicle for modernist expression. A master of the bandoneón, Piazzolla played in dance bands before becoming a composer, and his studies of classical music led him to develop nuevo tango, a controversial style that took years to win over opponents. Piazzolla's operetta María de Buenos Aires was a turning point for him, and the tangos he composed following it became quite popular, both in Argentina and internationally. One of his greatest hits is the Cuatro estaciones porteñas, which is often paired with Vivaldi's Four Seasons. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide