“Argentine music…you mean the Tango?” That was mostly the reaction one got! Not Martha Argerich or Bruno Gelber who are, today, two of the most outstanding musicians in the Western musical firmament. Yes, they are Argentina's gift to the Classical music world, but it is the Tango, that passionate, somewhat melancholy dance tradition that underlies much of a very exciting, vibrant music that is today identified with Argentina.

Recently, I have been introduced to the music of the extraordinary musician, Astor Piazzolla. He was born in Argentina but grew up in New York where he studied Classical music – immersed himself in the study of Bach and the complexities of the Fugue. He was also fascinated by Jazz as he heard being played in night clubs by Duke Ellington and others. The result: a music rooted in the Tango rhythm with wonderfully evocative melodies and a sound rich in dense and dissonant harmonies in a blend of Classical and Jazz styles that is so exciting. Listen to his Adios Nonino and you will hear what I mean.

Piazzolla has also written songs, the kind sung at Café concerts - very much like the Jacques Brel songs whose language echoed the sounds of the streets and whose tunes were raucously gay…or sad. I've heard them sung by Milva, an Italian with a sultry voice a la Edith Piaf – the raw emotion wrung out from the depths of her being. Accompanying her is a Quintet with Piazzolla, himself, playing the bandonéon, an instrument related to the accordion, native to Argentina, and ideally suited to his music.

Close to my heart is the Misa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez, which I am currently working on with my Choir in Pune - The Chamber Singers. This Misa (Mass) is based on South American folk music, particularly the rhythms and melodies from the different parts of Argentina. What the Choir particularly relates to is the simplicity and directness of the lovely melodies coupled with the exciting, pulsating rhythms, all so akin to our own Indian folk music tradition. This is music that speaks to the heart. There is no apparent intellectual 'craft' involved. The music carries one on waves of emotions expressed.

Ramirez has also written a Christmas Cantata, Navidad Nuestra with the poet, Felix Luna. Each of the six songs is characterised by a different rhythm or dance type. And the melodies are at once poignant, tender, lyrical. Ramirez's choral music is very attractive and easy on the Indian ear as is his music for piano written in a popular idiom. The frequent use of rubato lends a romantic, sensual feeling. This is evident also in his songs for solo voice. Listening to the incomparable Mercedes Sosa's husky voice and passionate renderings of the hauntingly beautiful Ramirez songs makes one want to laugh and cry at the same time!
Such is the nature of the music of Piazzolla and Ramirez that it puts me in mind of what Yehudi Menuhin once said of the music of Béla Bartok, the Hungarian composer who was profoundly rooted and attached to the folk traditions, rhythms and melodies of his native land: “Pride, pain, joy, serenity, meditation, humour – you will find all these compellingly expressed in his music.” The very same can be said of the music of Argentina's leading composers, Astor Piazzolla and Ariel Ramirez.

VERONICA KRISHNAYYA is the conductor of the Pune choir, THE CHAMBER SINGERS. Their forthcoming concert is THE SINGING HEART, a programme of music of folk origin from different countries. This will be interspersed with readings by poet and folklorist, Randhir Khare. The poems are his translations of songs by tribal people among whom he has lived. The main work is the MISA CRIOLLA by Ariel Ramirez. The accompaniment will be by Indian musicians and also expressed in Indian dance.

January 10, 2010 at the IUCCA Chandrasekhar Hall, Pune University, Pune at 6.30pm.

January 13, 2010 at the Tata Theatre of the NCPA, Mumbai at 7pm.

Mercedes Sosa – The Voice of Latin America

On 4 October 2009, Mercedes Sosa – an Argentine folk singer and one of its most prolific ambassadors - passed away. Known as the Voice of Latin America,' her music inspired opponents of South America's brutal military regimes and gave a voice to millions of the voiceless and oppressed. Opportunities Today recommends listening to Gracias a la Vida (Thanks to Life) on her 1971 album Homenaje a Violeta Parra. Regardless of your knowledge of Spanish, we assure you that Mercedes Sosa requires no translation. Hers is the song of all those who have overcome their fear of singing out.

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