In theory, a quartet of accordion players converging on specially arranged Astor Piazzolla tangos equals squeezebox overkill. Not here, though. Somehow the musicians comprising Hans Brehme’s accordion group stay out of each other’s way as they float between soloist and accompanist roles with the utmost transparency and discretion. Sexy? Not at all. Here you won’t find the registral fullness, timbral contrasts, and smoldering grit characterizing the Piazzolla ensemble renditions. Still, the composer’s robust harmonic palette is not compromised, as you can tell in Homenaje a Córdora’s poignant sustained chords or Fuga 9’s jumping-bean polyphony. The extended Ballet Tango’s mini-sections bind together through the foursome’s tautly judged transitions. Sometimes the players tap on their instruments in order to compensate for a missing percussionist, or rattle a shaker, as in Baires ’72. All in all, this is a thoughtfully executed project, albeit one whose appeal may not extend beyond accordion mavens. [8/9/2002]
