The song El Viajeby the renowned Argentine tango composer, Astor Piazzolla, translated as The Journey in English and epitomizes the composer's unique approach to the genre. Born on March 11, 1921, Piazzolla grew up to revolutionize the traditional tango by infusing it with elements of Jazz and Classical music. His distinct and innovative style is often referred to as Nuevo Tango.
Nuevo Tango maintains the allure and passion of traditional tango, while introducing intricate, jazz-inspired chords and rhythms. It showcases Piazzolla's ability to innovate and experiment within musical tradition. Musical characteristics and elements of El Viaje include:
- Highly rhythmic, uses syncopation, a characteristic of tango music
- A minor key, providing a deep, emotive sound
- Complex harmonies and chord structures inspired by jazz
- A degree of improvisation, reflecting Piazzolla's creative spirit
The piece certainly has a narrative feel - often found in Piazzolla's works - and a potential to convey a sense of exploration.
If you're an experienced piano player and you'd like to play El Viaje, you're in the right place! You can purchase and download an intermediate version of the sheet music right here on our site. The beautiful complexity and deep emotion of Piazzolla's music will provide a satisfying challenge and a delightful addition to your repertoire.