This disc, performed by a trio of violin, cello and piano aptly
named Tango a Trois, contains a variety of tangos composed
by Peter Ludwig, the ensemble’s pianist. Ludwig developed a passion
for Tango early in his life, and began experimenting with their
composition from a young age, listening to recordings of Argentinean
Tango to learn the structures and forms.
The style is light and convincing – this is the
sort of music that would work well as background music in
a bar but would capture the attention of listeners too. It
deserves to be heard. The production quality of this disc
is excellent, from the sound quality to the cover.
Berlin, dedicated to Peter Wöpke,
features the cello in resonant melodies. Cat is energetic
and joyful, while the more tranquil Capverden describes
far-away shores. Barandalu has an inescapable Spanish
feel, with heavy rhythms and a sense of drama. Gare de
l’Est describes early morning in Paris. There is something
in the opening bars that reminds me of a Robert Doisneau black
and white image, but as the momentum builds it seems as though
we are transported into the hustle and bustle of a modern
city. Rossio features a rich violin solo, expressively
winding its way through the twisting melody of this ballad.
Tango Zizim is an upbeat song, full of off-beats and
syncopations. The cello part momentarily transforms into a
jazz bass line, and the variety is highly successful. Veuve
Clicquot departs from Tango towards more of a jazz style,
providing a moment of repose and contemplation. Valse Dramatique
is aptly described in the title, with the piano taking on
a waltz-style accompaniment while the violin and cello interact
with melody lines above. Following an initially relaxed section,
the mood intensifies and the drama of the title kicks in.
Séparée is another ballad-style work, beautifully posed
and elegant, while Zirkus is frantic, fun and full
of energy. Amour Fou is a wonderfully sorrowful slow
tango which tugs at the heart-strings, but with just the right
sense of balance so it doesn’t over-indulge. Timbaud Tango
begins with a jazz-style piano solo, which gradually develops
as the work continues, telling the story of Jean-Pierre Timbaud,
a member of the Résistance. Miss You, the final track
of the disc, is a jazz-style ballad, with violin melody and
pizzicato bass line.
Ludwig’s tango style is modern and seems one step
away from the Argentinean original; there is a European influence
here which adds an extra dimension to the music. The trio
performs with a sense of enjoyment and real flair. The playing
is excellent throughout, and there is an strong sense of ensemble,
as though this is one performer with three instrumental colours.
The music itself is highly enjoyable and refreshing. There
is a feeling that these musicians have created quality music
which they care deeply about, but that they don’t take themselves
too seriously. This is not stuffy concert hall music; this
is music to be experienced and enjoyed by the man in the street,
ideally to be stumbled upon and then remembered. It does not
over-intellectualize or over-sentimentalize; the balance is
just right between the carefully considered compositional
process and the enjoyment of its presentation. There is a
warmth in the ensemble’s sound that I will remember for some
time.
Carla Rees
