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"The Assassin of the Tango."

Tango innovator Astor Piazzolla. Since the early 60s, Piazzolla has been leading groups that play an updated tango that connects this Argentinian form with the musical innovations from Europe and America, both classical and contemporary. The adjustments have earned him the enmity of Argentinians, and for most of the 70s he lived in France where he wrote film scores. Piazzolla is a classically trained composer who wrote symphonies and studied with Nadia Boulanger, the renown French instructor of composition.

26:47
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Other segments from the episode on April 19, 1988

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, April 19, 1988: Interview with Astor Piazzola; Commentary on Alan Freed; Interview with Ursula Oppens; Review of Paul Watkins' novel "Night Over Day Over Night."
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06:53

Disc Jockey Alan Freed Brought Black Music to the Radio.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Alan Freed, one of the most famous, and most notorious, disc jockeys of the 50s and 60s. Freed was one of the first disc jockeys on a mainstream station (WJW in Cleveland) to play the black rhythm and blues that was the foundation of early rock and roll.

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09:59

Pianist Ursula Oppens.

Pianist Ursula Oppens. She's widely regarded as one of the leading interpreters of new music. Many contemporary composers, like John Adams, have written works for her.

Interview

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03:41

The Original Tango Master.

World music commentator Milo Miles tells us about the tango music of Julio de Caro. He and his band set the standard for tango music in Buenos Aires in the 20's, and his music has just been reissued on the Spanish El Bandoneon label.

Commentary
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06:59

Exploring the Tango with Astor Piazzolla.

World music aficionado Milo Miles explores the world of the new tango, and reviews the latest album from the new tango's leading proponent, Argentinian accordionist Astor Piazzolla.

Review

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