Ástor Piazzolla, the renowned Argentinian composer, is a revolutionary of traditional tango. He fused elements of jazz and classical music with tango to create the so-called “new tango” (tango nuevo). In the hands of the tango virtuoso, the genre became not only dance music, but also the language of sensual music, which found its way into the concert halls. It is impossible to confuse Piazzolla’s original style with that of any other composer. His distinctive tango melodies and sultry rhythms are recognisable for their passion, love, frustration and hope, longing and dreams.

The suite Five Tango Sensations for bandoneon and string quartet, composed in 1989, is considered a “work of tragic beauty”. The suite’s five movements, Asleep, Loving, Anxiety, Despertar and Fear, reveal all the hallmarks of the tango nuevo style; the music is imbued with sensuality, nostalgia, deep sadness and grief.

Piazzolla’s emotional composition is performed by accordion virtuoso Tadas Motiečius and the Čiurlionis Quartet.