Press Reviews about Hector Del Curto’s Live Performaces
“Tango lives or dies by the quality of its accordion like bandoneón, and Héctor Del Curto was a splendid player.”
By Bernard Holland, New York Times, September 28, 2007
“….When the quintet was featured, the results were rewarding, as in Piazzolla's insistent, rigorously contrapuntal ''Fugata,'' and in ''Oblivion,'' in which Hector Del Curto played wistful, piercing solos on the bandoneon, …”
By Anthony Tommasini, New York Times, April 9, 1999
“…Music that begins with the frenzied rhythms of tango slowly devolves into jazz improvisations. But it's jazz with a bandoneón, an accordion-like instrument expertly played by Hector del Curto, who helps keep the music true to its Argentine roots.”
By Sean Harder, Savannah Morning News, March 26, 2006
“…Some of the pro dancers at Stowe chose canned music for their choreography, but alternating couples stepped to live numbers by the Eternal Tango Quintet, a New York-based outfit fronted by bandoneón wizard Hector Del Curto. A Buenos Aires native who won accolades at age 17 for his prowess on the accordion-like instrument, Del Curto has performed with genre master and composer Astor Piazzolla…”
By Megan Dewald, Vermont’s Seven Days, July 26, 2006, reviewing the Stowe TangoFest
“…performed a number of his own compositions, several of which featured guest artists. Hector del Curto was expressive on the bandoneon…”
By Peter Westbrook, JazzReview.com, October 4-8, 2006, reviewing Second Annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
“…Tonight, Ziegler's dynamic Quartet began the second set with Desde Otros Tiempos by Ziegler and La Muerte del Angel by Piazzolla. I sat just in front of Hector del Curto, a seasoned and renowned bandoneonist, and was able to breathe in the energy and electricity of this passionate music…”
By Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower, Roberta on the Arts, December 4, 2003
Press Reviews about Hector Del Curto’s new album – “Eternal Tango”
“When I asked Hector Del Curto about the precious cello sound on his new CD, he told me it is his wife: "I have a good ear for women," he commented with his fine sense of humor. A good ear is not his only quality; he also has exquisite taste and the perfect balance between precision and delicacy of the chamber music and the passion and expressive power of the popular music of his native Argentina.”
By Paquito D’Rivera, World Renowned Latin Jazz Musician
“This happens to be one of the finest new Argentine Tango CDs, played and arranged by Tango virtuosos, such as Hector Del Curto, who performed with the renowned Osvaldo Pugliese, and Pablo Ziegler, who performed with composer, bandoneonist, Astor Piazzolla. Hector Del Curto has assembled top tango musicians to complete Eternal Tango Orchestra, including Jisoo Ok on cello and Gustavo Casenave on piano. This CD is for listening, for dancing, and for transporting you to an intoxicating Milonga in Buenos Aires. Notable Tracks: #4 – Los Magos - Composed by Hector Del Curto. In the edgy style of Piazzolla, Del Curto's composition grabs the listener and fills the mind with gorgeous, impassioned music. The Eternal Tango Quintet plays this piece, with del Curto's bandoneón and Nick Danielson's violin both featured in soulful solos. The rhythms are perfected for performance dance, as well. #5 – Introducción al Angel - Composed by Astor Piazzolla, arr. Pablo Ziegler. Jisoo Ok, on cello, is showcased here in a richly emotional theme, textured and deep. Pablo Ziegler has arranged this Piazzolla work with drama and persuasive professionalism, and performs on piano. Del Curto elegantly fills out this trio performance, with quintessential Piazzolla power and shifts in mood. #8 - Vigilia - Composed by Victor Lavallén. This duo performance, with Jisoo Ok and Hector Del Curto, highlights the pure sounds of cello and bandoneón, in slow, rapturous timing. Ms. Ok has captured the essence of the tango, and Del Curto extends the bandoneón with seamless sultriness. #9 - A Mis Viejos - Composed by Mario de Carlo. This classic tango is performed by full Eternal Tango Orchestra with Pedro Giraudo on bass, Gustavo Casenave on piano, Mark Holloway on viola, Ms. Ok on cello, Del Curto on bandoneón, and all four violins. The result is pure beauty.”
By Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower, Roberta on the Arts, July 21, 2007
“Drawing and stretching the music in all directions, pushing limitations from the inside out, pulling from the outside corners of customary expectations, the natural elasticity of the genre is heightened with remarkable innovation in this noteworthy accomplishment, Eternal Tango. Nourishing and enlightening even for those who don’t “get” tango, the raw musicality and artistry in this project captures the elegance, subtlety and classicism often missing in other presentations, making it not only more accessible, but more comprehensible as a dynamic, creative, and most importantly, a versatile genre with endless potential for expression and emotional abundance. While Del Curto caters to the novice, his highly-developed vision, passion and tangible love for this music leaves aficionados thrilled and dumbfounded. In his home of Buenos Aires, Del Curto was already making a name for himself at 17, named The Best Bandoneón Player Under 25; now, in his home of New York City, as the most sought-after bandoneón player, he is continuing to astound and mesmerize critics. Joined by a tango orchestra of piano, bass and multiple strings as well as a smaller quintet of violin, piano, bass and cello (featuring his wife, Jisoo Ok), this disc most notably captures the delicacies and cultivated beauties of tango that can only be accomplished by a dedicated pupil and master. With plaintive and aching solos to proud and robust dance floor tributes, Del Curto’s full-spectrum genius proves a delightful pay-off in one of the most impressive and well-versed tango albums to date.”
By Tamara Turner, CD Baby
“Look beyond your self-imposed stylistic boundaries, and you will find music that will make you feel glad to be alive. Without words, Hector Del Curto dazzles us with his instrument of choice, the bandoneon. Resembling a piano accordion, the bandoneon is perhaps best known in Argentina. The sounds it creates can be playful, upbeat, or reflective; it all depends on the mood shifts of the composition. As far as Latin music goes, Del Curto is in a class by himself. There really isn’t a precise definition for this album; parts of it can fit into world, classical, and jazz. And it’s that spicy mix of genres that help make Eternal Tango such a gripping, mesmerizing CD. The playing is top-notch with crisp, clean production. On the best speakers, it sounds almost as if Del Curto and his group are jamming in the room with you. Renowned pianist Pablo Ziegler guests on three tracks - “Meridional,” “Introduccion Al Angel,” and “Escualo” - but it is Del Curto’s bandoneon playing throughout that makes this album deserve the highest marks possible. I am particularly entralled by “Escualo,” probably one of the most upbeat cuts on the record. If you haven’t heard Del Curto yet, or witnessed the jubilant sounds of the bandoneon, I can’t think of a better introduction than this. You’ll be hooked.”
By Kyrby Raine, s h o t g u n r e v i e w s
“For those unfamiliar with it, the bandoneon is an instrument that looks somewhat like an accordion but they create a different note when played closing then when played opening. It's not an instrument that you hear too often except in Argentina, where it is a staple of the tango orchestra. Hector Del Curto (http://www.hectordelcurto.com) is a musician who has mastered this intriguing instrument. On "Eternal Tango," Del Curto uses the bandoneon so skillfully it's like a part of his own body; it is an extension of himself, creating a bridge from his heart to the souls of his listeners. The bandoneon actually has it roots in Germany; however, German immigrants began bringing the instrument with them to Argentina, and it was quickly adopted by the local musicians. The compositions that Del Curto works with here combine the smooth elegance of classical with the brash energy of jazz; it's an intoxicating, inspiring work of art that is compelling from start to finish. "A Evaristo Carriego" opens up with soothing piano textures that erupts into a gorgeous, sweeping string section; it is cinematic and utterly beautiful. On "Loca Bohemia," Del Curto's bandoneon evokes a sparkling sunny mood. He is truly one with his instrument, engaging the ears with the vivid images that he conjures from his playing. His bandoneon takes center stage on "Los Magos" wherein Del Curto stuns us with his virtuosity; it will leave you breathless. This is, without a doubt, a masterpiece, a labor of love; Del Curto impresses, entertains, and leaves us gasping for more.”
By Adam Harrington, Whisperin & Hollerin Hector Del Curto Tango Concert Reviews
Concert Review: The Fourth Annual Main Squeeze Accordion Festival Lucid Culture July 12, 2009
Hector Del Curto’s Eternal Tango Quintet took the dance vibe into intense, wrenchingly passionate territory. With Del Curto on bandoneon, Gustavo Casenave on piano, Pedro Giraudo on upright bass along with an inspired cellist and violinist, they mixed originals and classics, from a stately, haunting version of the traditional Argentinian tango El Choclo to a fast yet lush take of the Piazzolla classic Libertango. Another Piazzolla composition, Michaelangelo #17 bristled with stormy bandoneon and string flourishes; an original, Emancipacion built suspense with a martial beat and some vivid interplay between piano and bandoneon, a device that Del Curto employed very effectively and evocatively through the set’s brooding ebbs and aching swells.
Source: http://lucidculture.wordpress.com/2009/07/12/concert-review-the-fourth-annual-main-squeeze-accordion- festival/
Concert Review – Eternal Tango Orchestra at the Jazz Standard Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower February 20, 2008
Hector Del Curto brought his exquisite and authentic Tango orchestra to Jazz Standard for a few nights this week, and I was fortunate to catch the second set tonight with my guest. Hector Del Curto is a renowned bandoneonist in the tango community, having recorded with Osvaldo Pugliese, Pablo Ziegler, and Astor Piazzolla. It is rare to hear the authentic tangos performed by a full “Orquestra Tipica”, that is, a full orchestra with strings. This music is evocative of the Pugliese orchestra, and tonight ten musicians combined for most tangos, but smaller ensembles were showcased as well. The Eternal Tango Quintet has been heard about New York and well beyond, but tonight we were treated to the tango enhancement by four violins, viola and cello.
The Orchestra opened with a slow, emotional tango, with edge, poignancy, and a nicely combined cello- bandoneón duo, by Del Curto and his wife, Jisoo Ok. Soon Gustavo Casenave led a series of string passages with violins and cello in full orchestral sound. With Del Curto driving the early tonal momentum, Casenave’s Steinway then seized the theme. Los Magos, by Del Curto, was reminiscent of Piazzolla’s dissonance, with rapid segments and an accented violin-cello duo. In La Muerte del Angel, by Piazzolla, Casenave was showcased in keyboard extravaganzas. Soon Pablo Ziegler took the Steinway, and he riffed and backed the orchestral theme with strong bandoneón presence. Ziegler then played an unaccompanied solo, Chin Chin, and it is clear why Ziegler remains the penultimate tango pianist in international tango circles.
Ziegler’s Milonga en el Viento was next, and its sensuality, fluidity, and spontaneity were immediately palpable. The Eternal Tango musicians created the mood of dancing in spring rain, with Del Curto’s exceptionally elongated bandoneón chords. Ziegler’s La Fundicion followed with Ziegler’s generous piano solo, on the heels of Nick Danielson’s searing violin solo, in the imagined quietude of “cat’s feet”. This sound seemed to exemplify the perfect tango, mysterious and melancholy, with pulse and style. Casenave returned to the Steinway, and Sami Merdinian was melodically featured on violin in the more traditional tango genre. Katie Kresek, on viola, took a Pugliese solo, with Sergio Reyes on violin, Pedro Giraudo on bass, and Jisoo Ok on cello all combining with the Orchestra to maximize the sumptuous and scintillating sound. The Orchestra closed with classical music - tango dance fusion. Eternal Tango in its various incarnations, whether Quartet, Quintet, or full Orchestra should be heard live for a truly pleasurable music experience.
Source: http://www.robertaonthearts.com/JazzAndCabaretCorner/idJazz19.html
Pablo Ziegler closes piano festival with a whole lot of tango. South Florida Classical Review May 18, 2009
The bandoneon, an instrument which looks like a large square concertina, figures strongly in this type of music. Its reedy sound cuts through the thick textures easily, and Hector del Curto’s virtuosic control allowed him to weave in and out with an improvisational abandon.
Source: http://southfloridaclassicalreview.com/2009/05/pablo-ziegler-closes-piano-festival-with-a-whole-lot-of-tango/