For Astor ~ (in memory of Tango's Astor Piazzolla) ~ Nick Ariondo, composer/accordionist

https://www.youtube.com/user/nickariondo1/videos?view_as=public Nick Ariondo composed 'For ASTOR' as a tribute to Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992), world-renowned Argentine bandoneon virtuoso and composer. The 'bandoneon', like the accordion, is a 'free-reed' instrument (metal reed tongues inside the instrument vibrate freely through slotted openings as the bellows pushes air through the reeds -- different from the beating reed of a clarinet or oboe)....The bandoneon, invented in Germany mid 1800s is square-shaped, with long wide bellows and buttons on both sides. The accordion Nick Ariondo plays is a 'piano-accordion' -- piano keys on the right hand, buttons on the left. There are several accordion-type instruments throughout the world -- for example, the Slovenians have the button-box, the Russians have the bayan, northern Mexico uses the diatonic accordion, the concertina appears in various folk styles, etc.....Each instrument has its special application and usefulness, requiring years of experience for a skilled player to master the right hand/left hand technique while operating and controlling the push and pull of the bellows......Astor Piazzolla was one of those unique artists who mastered the art of playing the bandoneon. As a young fellow in Argentina, Piazzolla played in many tango groups including Anibal Troilo's tango orchestra (Anibal was a great bandoneon artist himself -- his magnificent playing can be heard on early recordings).....Astor Piazzolla continued his musical endeavors while studying composition & arranging, developing a sound and style of music that became his very own by re-inventing the tango: integrating modern harmonies, rhythms and innovative techniques -- mixing classical, popular and jazz with tango influences.... 'For ASTOR' by Ariondo is a slow moving piece of changing harmonies and melodies with inner emotional drive -- dedicated to the great artist, Astor Piazzolla.