Bandoneon. The soul of...

The bandoneon, often called the soul of tango, is far more versatile than its reputation suggests.

While it found its fame in Argentina and Uruguay, lending passion and melancholy to the rhythms of tango, its hauntingly expressive tone makes it a perfect fit for many other genres, especially classical music.

Originally invented in 19th-century Germany for church hymns, it has since found its way into concert halls, blending seamlessly into works by composers like Bach and Piazzolla.

Whether evoking longing in tango or adding depth to classical masterpieces, the bandoneon proves its voice transcends boundaries.

One of the things I like doing as a bandoneonist is expanding the repertoire for this relatively unknown instrument. And I often enjoy doing it by composing pieces resembling older styles, like from the Romanticism, or the Baroque eras.

Antigua is a suite I composed earlier this year that pays homage to the elegance and intricacy of Baroque keyboard music, drawing inspiration from the timeless suites of Bach and Handel. Each piece within the suite evokes a distinct mood, from lively dances to reflective adagios, showcasing the expressive range of the bandoneon while trying to preserve the spirit of early keyboard music.

You can watch me performing Antigua on this link.

Enjoy, and have a great day.

Claudio.