Håkon Skogstad - Visions of Tango (2021) Hi-Res

Norwegian pianist and composer Håkon Skogstad is soon to release his new album Visions of Tango – a collection of classical works with an Argentinian flair. Already a classically trained musician, he began playing Argentine-tango when he was 16. Visions of Tango manages to stay faithful to these two genres, but Skogstad still finds moments to exhibit his own harmonic elan.

The album opens with the original four-movement composition ‘Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra’. Off-the-bat this demonstrates his aptitude for composition and improvisation that gives his work such an idiosyncratic feel. There are moments of aggressive classical piano easily comparable to Chopin, whilst the mood of Debussy seems to imbue the light and airy chords that crop up throughout Skogstad’s compositions. Combining this with sparks of South-American jazz results in a genuinely unique style.

The record then moves on to a fantastic reimagining of Astor Piazzolla’s famous work ‘Hitoire Du Tango’. With the original guitar and flute being replaced by piano and violin, Skogstad utilises these different instrumental tones brilliantly. This is especially noticeable on the ‘Café’ movement where the numerous quick portamenti of the violin, combined with its beautiful, almost fragile timbre, really bring the melody to life. Finally, Visions of Tango is rounded off with three more of Piazzolla’s compositions: ‘Allegro Tangabile’, ‘Tres Minutos con la Realidad’ and ‘Adios Nonino’.

Working with the acclaimed Norwegian orchestra The Trondheim Soloists and principal violinist Atle Sponberg, delivered a hugely professional and vibrant sound to the recordings.

Skogstad is set to make a big splash in the classical world with Visions of Tango as it has all the skill and precision of classical music plus the passion and energy of Argentine-tango. He captures an exquisite interplay between classical harmonies and tango with pieces that constantly and seamlessly dance across the lines that separate the two genres.