Panorama Argentino (2014)

The second in a pair (or perhaps series) of releases by Argentine American pianist Mirian Conti, this album, like its predecessor, explores music from the pre-tango Argentine classical tradition. The music follows European models, with regional dances mixed with nationalist pictorial material. Only the Milonguero triste of Aníbal Troilo (track 7) and the "Bar Argentino" of Mario Broeders (track 14) approach the dramatic mood of tango, and the latter little piece is a nice find. The Sonatina for piano in G minor of Carlos ... Read More

The second in a pair (or perhaps series) of releases by Argentine American pianist Mirian Conti, this album, like its predecessor, explores music from the pre-tango Argentine classical tradition. The music follows European models, with regional dances mixed with nationalist pictorial material. Only the Milonguero triste of Aníbal Troilo (track 7) and the "Bar Argentino" of Mario Broeders (track 14) approach the dramatic mood of tango, and the latter little piece is a nice find. The Sonatina for piano in G minor of Carlos Guastavino is an elegant and tuneful classical exercise. The other composers -- Remo Pignoni, Enrique Albano, Cayetano Troiani, Angel Lasala, Julián Aguirre, Horacio Salgán, and Mariano Mores -- are all but unknown outside Argentina. Some of the pieces, such as the tiny Danzas tradicionales of Pignoni and the Taquito militar ("military heel," with foot percussion simulating a well-drilled regiment, not "military taco"), have considerable charm. But many pieces go by in similar tempos,... Read Less