Search - Richard Galliano Septet Piazzolla Forever en Concert on DVD

Stupendously Splendid

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 10/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Richard Galliano first came to my attention four or five years ago when one of his recordings was recommended here because I had bought some "similar" recordings. Since then, I have bought several of his CDs and have enjoyed them immensely. Now, with this DVD, Galliano has grabbed my attention forever.
What a stupendously splendid display of virtuosity this is! The package comes with DVDs in both PAL and NTSC formats so as to presumably be playable on any DVD player, and the viewer is treated to nearly three hours of musical magic plus a lengthy bonus concert plus an animated cartoon set to music plus a discography! I've watched this a dozen times since I bought it a month ago and can't seem to get enough of it.
This will appeal first to fans of Astor Piazzolla, then beyond to those who may have never heard Piazzolla but who enjoy the kind of musical sophistication Galliano has in spades. The title Piazzolla Forever is a strong hint that this DVD will be a celebration of Piazzolla's music, and so it is. But there are also several strong selections composed by Galliano that will give those who are largely unfamiliar with his music a better sense of his compositional talent.
Its a pity that whoever is responsible for posting pertinent information about this DVD did not provide a song list. I will say this: you get 21 songs (one of which is repeated) that are mostly from the post mid-60s portion of Piazzolla's career. Among my favorites are the entire "Four Seasons of Buenos Aires" sequence, a sublime Milonga Del Angel, a Galliano solo on Libertango, an inspired rendition of Galliano's La Valse A Margaux, Escualo, Galliano's Opale Concerto and his Tango Pour Claude, and finally an exquisite rendering of Oblivion. Galliano's septet is composed of superior musicians and Galliano himself shows his skill not just on his customary accordion, but also on the difficult bandoneon and the accordina.
Then there is the filming which is often spectacular in the way it brings home to the viewer the deep emotion inherent in this music. Look at the closeups, note the inspiration on the musicians' faces, see AND hear just how tight this group is, and you will come away mesmerized by it all.
The concert alone makes this DVD well worth the price asked. The addition of the bonuses makes it all that much sweeter. Make sure you see and hear it all. This is one DVD that once you see and hear it, you will be moved to sing its praises loudly as I am doing now."