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Gennaro Desiderio Ensemble (plays Astor Piazzolla) Saints & Sinners When the Neapolitan "Devil Violinist" Gennaro Desiderio takes on the repertoire of Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992), the tango revolutionary and founder of Tango Nuevo, he proves how music really can span the generations. Piazzolla was an exceptional Argentinian composer; and you need a good portion of passion and virtuosity to tailor the right suit for his compositions. For "Saints & Sinners" Desiderio, the violinist with a conservatory diploma, put together a first-class ensemble that provides a perfect foundation for his rather unconventional style of playing and allows him enough space for his interpretation: a performance which is not only of a high academic and cultural standard, but with a solid vibrato that compares with the legendary virtuoso Paganini. From 24th September 2010 the curiosity of his fans can be satisfied, when his masterwork will be available in the stores. (Connector/in-akustik). Bordel 1900 opens the musical fireworks of the "Histoire du Tango" and seductively takes the listener into the disreputable, erotic world of the dance that developed in the bordellas of Buenos Aires and was socially anything but acceptable. In four movements (Bordel 1900, Café 1930, Night Club 1960, Concert d'aujourd'hui) Piazzolla portrays the development and the path of tango from the pleasure houses, cafés and night clubs right up to modern concert performances. Orthodox tango musicians viewed this deviation from traditional Tango Argentino as treason. Desiderio's art of violin playing makes perfect use of Piazzolla's references to new music: striking with the bow, high piercing stroking accents, glissandi and jerky staccati. Naturally emotional and mournful soli are an important part of the show too. With Saints & Sinners Gennaro Desiderio bows reverently to Argentina's musical heritage and with his wide-ranging virtuosity he fully develops his sensitive approach to Piazzolla's compositions. "What I always really loved about doing the recordings for this CD was how free I could be, and also of course my ability, and the combo's, to present Piazzolla's boldness of form and rhythm, his unique melodies and his adventurous rhythmic style in my own way," he recalled. "And the way he added classical styles and jazz to make the tango a form that could be performed on the stage, thus bringing it out of the dance floors and into the concert hall: that's something that deserves unbounded respect. We have to thank him for making Argentinian tango a real component in the world of musical art." Gennaro Desiderio was born in Naples in 1974 into a musical family; he and his brother Aniello were passionate 'extremists' amongst classical musicians who merited the frequently misused term of temperament. He learned the classical guitar first and then switched to the violin, although he had won first prize at an international guitar contest in Recanati, Italy, when he was only six. He was taught by Ciro Astarita and Antonio Arciprete and graduated in violin from Naples Conservatory. His first TV appearance with his brothers Aniello and Gaetano released a storm of enthusiasm from critics and the general public. His youthful curiosity took him into the world of jazz and pop, however. In 1998 he won first prize at Foggia Jazz Festival with his "Maluki Jazz Quartett" and he participated in the world tour of the musical "Cuore mio" as solo violinist. A number of international appearances in various different formations followed and in 2003 Desiderio became the conductor and soloist of the "Dimi" orchestra. With the Dimi Orchestra he gave a brilliant performance alongside world-famous artists including Ennio Morricone, Lionel Ritchie, Amy Stuart, Milva and Lucio Dalla. In 2004 he was invited to New York to attend "Italian Culture Month" and in 2005 was soloist at the opening concert of the "Todi Music Fest" in Philadelphia, followed by a European tour with his brothers in 2006-2007: since 2008 they have toured as "Aniello Desiderio's Quartetto Furioso". The sum of all this experience makes up the magic of this brand new album by Gennaro Desiderio: once again he shines with his very own brand of intensity, personality and instrumental precision. With a collection of joyful, high-level playing, his own personal style and Neapolitan energy, he is well on his way to becoming a figurehead of the four-string scene. Coupled with concise playing in a combo, and the dynamic gradations which are so important in Piazzolla's music, Saints & Sinners is a well-rounded work and a passionate document of Tango Nuevo.

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