Tango for connoisseurs

Ommen (NL) – REVIEW – Of course the audience wants Adios Nonino ” as encore. But only after the Kraayenhof Tango Ensemble plays the Milonga Desconcierto, a lingering campera.

It’s typical for this program: a fascinating variety of warm, catchy rhythms and noiseless emotions. All in due time. Again and again played with empathy, passion and instrumental masterpiece. The brand new Kraayenhof Tango Ensemble in addition to bandoneon, now includes a string quartet, double bass and piano. Carel Kraayenhof has been in love with the combination of bandoneon and string quartet for years. And after hearing this program, you’ll grant this seven-headed ensemble sold-out venues, recession or  not.

Astor Piazzolla is what this ensemble revolves around, but the compositions of Kraayenhof himself aren’t out of place in this illustrious ensemble. Where Piazzolla sometimes is raw, Kraayenhof appears to be the tune enchanter that especially in intimate compositions (Te llevo en mi alma) plays the emotions in detail. Who’s still surprised by that? Fascinated we see how Kraayenhof gets all the colors of the rainbow out of that small, clumsy instrument, and gives every nuance just that little bit of effect. His ensemble, with old friends like Dobal (piano), Branderhorst (bass) and Vos (violin), is complemented by Huisingh (violin), Grapperhaus (viola) and Brederhorst (cello). In attendance they seem like a lanky friends club that plays in a community center. But appearances are deceptive: this is on the razor’s edge and also exceptionally supple musical skill. Everything fits perfectly, each adding their thing in the solo’s. Straightforward, right through the soul. Kraayenhof Tango Tango Ensemble for connoisseurs.

music

Carel Kraayenhof, Tango

Seen at: Carousel Theatre Ommen, Friday, November 4th 2011

Upcoming shows: December 18th in Raalte (NL) and April 1st, 2012 in Eefde (NL)

Rating: ***** (five stars).

Source of  the article: The Stentor, 11/06/2011 Link to original article (dutch)