Mixed Media

CD of the Month

Rovira 100

Sonico plays Eduardo Rovira is the title of this CD, but the reverse would also be correct: "Sónico" by Eduardo Rovira.

Because the tango "Sónico" is at the beginning of a compilation with which the Belgian ensemble Sonico commemorates an unjustly forgotten composer.

Like Astor Piazzolla, Rovira made a name for himself in the renewal of the Argentine dance which, unlike his slightly older compatriot, he called not "Tango Nuevo" but "Tango Moderno". While Piazzolla coaxed experimental, almost explosive sounds from his bandoneon, Rovira did not indulge in sonic excesses to a comparable degree. He listened more to the inner life of the tango and thereby brought to light lyrical qualities that are otherwise easily overlooked.

To mark Rovira's 100th birthday, Sonico recorded a good dozen of his compositions, with varying lineups. In the first part, the electric guitar still dominates the dramatic musical events, without pushing the other musicians into the background. Later, however, the violin and piano support the dominant bandoneon, thus providing sonic variety. The Milonga para Mabel y Peluca is particularly memorable, and like Tap lala and Tango para Ernesto, it possesses a singable quality despite its dance-like nature—something not usually associated with tango.

Hartmut Regitz

Rovira 100: Sonico plays Eduardo Rovira; www.sonicomania.com