Though born in Germany in the 19th century, the bandoneón reached Argentina and Uruguay a few decades later and soon became the iconic melodic soul of tango music. Now, a new recording brings all of its master players together.
Deceptively small with the shape of a cube, it triples its size with bellows in the middle that route air over metallic reeds and has buttons played by both hands. It has a rich, melancholic, and sharp sound distinct from traditional accordions, which allows for immense emotional expression.
Bandoneon players soon became as important as the tango singers, with names like Aníbal Troilo, Pedro Laurenz, Leopoldo Federico and Astor Piazzolla, who became as legendary as Carlos Gardel himself
This month, in a historic event for tango and Argentina’s musical heritage, three-time Grammy nominee Pablo Jaurena and famed founder of El Arranque Orchestra Ignacio Varchausky released Fueyerías, a recording project that pays tribute to the emblematic musical instrument.
This monumental production brings together 31 outstanding bandoneon players from different generations and stylistic backgrounds, playing historical recoveries, new compositions, and new arrangements.
