Review:
"Oblivion", a tango by 20th-century Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, was written in 1982 and featured in an Italian film in 1984 where it gained worldwide fame. It evokes sadness yet is lush and passionately intense in its harmonic sophistication.
Bob Avant has beautifully transcribed this for handbells and either handchime or violin/viola duet, which will beautifully play the part originally written for the bandoneon, a small concertina Piazzolla made popular in South America.
Gentle Plucks in the bass and subtly flowing LV passages in the accompaniment perfectly support the melancholic melody in the duet. It is mostly Rung with many LV phrases throughout. It should not be rushed and tempo should be interpretive and very expressive, reflecting the passion and beauty of this amazing work. This is a 'must-have' for your group's concert repertoire!
Recording of live performance by
Austin Handbell Ensemble, Bob Avant Conductor, at the 2023 HMA National Seminar, Irving, TX, July 14, 2023.
Published by:
From the Top Music
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Composer:
Piazzolla, Astor
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Arranger:
Avant, Bob
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Octaves:
5 or 7
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Level:
3+
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Rating:
Med Adv
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Copyright:
Varies by Piece
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Season:
All Year
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Classification:
Concert
, Full Score
, Instrument Part
, Secular
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Technique:
Pl (Pluck)
, LV (Let Vibrate)
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Voicing:
Handbells, No Choral
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Instrument:
Chimes(Choirchimes or Handchimes)
, Violin
, Viola
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