Cuarteto Rotterdam – Yunta de Oro [CD] They are one of the busiest European tango orchestras, giving more than 50 concerts per year. The four musicians met in the Netherlands in 2004, while studying music at the Rotterdam Academy for World Music. Their occasional music sessions soon turned into Cuarteto Rotterdam. They have been touring through Europe ever since, inspiring both concert-goers and tango dancers. I had the pleasure of seeing them live at the Blind Date Tango and was amazed at the power they generate. Elaborate arrangements enhance the quartet's sound. While rock guitar players use loads of electronic equipment in order to spice up and enhance their sound, the quartet achieves this solely by means of their adaptations and a perfect playing technique. That evening the quartet went through all the important stages of tango, from the Guardia Nueva era, the Golden Age of the forties and Piazolla's Tango Nuevo right up to contemporary pieces. All titles of that evening were chosen to be perfectly danceable. The current CD "Yunta de Oro" includes many of the pieces that were played that night. Don't miss the pleasurable opportunity of seeing these four thoroughbred musicians live on stage and enjoying the unique experience of listening and dancing. I especially like the Di Sarli pieces Bahia Blanca and Mi Refugio. Has there ever been a more sophisticated version of Bahia Blanca? Desde El Alma, a strongly piano and violin based version of the popular vals, seems to be inspired directly by Rachmaninov, but without losing touch with tango. Coco Nelegatti's Milonga Del Serafín delights us with perfect tango harmony. Divertida is a typical milonga radiating a lightness and cheerfulness we usually only know from cream cheese commercials. The musicians' ability of performing solemn tango is proved by Danzarin, although one cannot avoid noticing their waggish sense of humour sometimes. Tristezas De Un Doble A is of an even heavier and more solemn character, which is no surprise, because it is a true Piazzolla piece. And now, sitting at my desk and listening again to Canaro en París, wow, I feel goose bumps creeping up my arms, as the pleasant feeling I had when I was dancing is coming over me again. Thank you, Cuarteto Rotterdam! There are more really great hits on this CD. Just listen for yourself. Preferably live! Audio samples can be found on the website of Cuarteto Rotterdam or on our audio page. Buying is also possible at the cuartet's site. Or at DYM, as usual, of course. Cuarteto Rotterdam consists of Michael Dolak (bandoneon), Susanne Cordula Welsch (violin), Judy Ruks (piano) and Frances Dorling (double bass). Peter Stiens |