Book: Argentina Sinfónica

The bandoneonist Juan José Masolini gravitates towards the pathos and city-life loneliness, not the twee, rustic Morris-dance, in his instrument’s evocative wheeze. Wood scrapes and thunderous timps drive the insistent Latin rhythms of Piazzolla’s bandoneon concerto, while the strings mourn and flagellate themselves in glissandi.

Gabriel Castagna, meanwhile, conducts the German Württemburgisches Orchester with a real feel for the tango, especially in the loud, thrilling last movement of the Sinfonia Buenos Aires.

Rick Jones - The Times, London

"Gabriel Castagna has already proved himself something of a Piazzolla specialist... all the performances sound affectionate and thoroughly idiomatic, and overall it's an undeniably enjoyable disc."

BBC Music Magazine (on Escenas Argentinas a Symphonic Anthology, Chandos Records)

'The Swabian orchestra plays sweetly and is luciously recorded: Gabriel Castagna, who is a Piazzolla compatriot and something of a specialist in South American repertoire, clearly has the music in his bones.'

International Record Review (on Piazzolla Symphnic works, Chandos Records)

"Castagna directs a crisply drawn account, full of swing and impulsion… Delightful performances, splendidly recorded."

Gramophone (on Escenas Argentinas and Tangazo, Chandos Records)

"The Wurttemberg Orchestra plays all of this music very well indeed under Gabriel Castagna, who specializes in performances of symphonic music by Argentine composers."

Classical CD Review (on Piazzolla Symphonic Anthology, Chandos Records)

'…if any recording can make you appreciate Ginastera's music, this new release from Chandos is an excellent candidate for the job. It is wonderfully played and conducted by the Berliner Symphoniker and Gabriel Castagna... I can sincerely recommend you try it.'

Fanfare (on Ginsatera Symphonic Anthology, Chandos Records)

"These muscular, spirited performances are equal to or better than the competition."

American Record Guide (on Ginsatera Symphonic Anthology, Chandos Records)

"Castagna´s account is full of verbe…a fine programe."
Gramophone (on Piazzolla Symphonic Anthology. Chandos Records)