Astor Piazzolla

from La Chanson de la Naissance-This piece by Astor Piazzolla first appeared in a comedy theatre show by Kado Kostzer and Alfredo Arias called Famille d'Artistes. The original piece  La Chanson de la Naissance had a French text. Piazzolla is best known for his development of Tango Nuevo through his many works that cross the boundaries between tango jazz and classical music. This arrangement which is true to his original tune and harmonic scheme shows many of these traits. Here the simple tune and chorus is passed around all sections of the ensemble – including an unaccomapnied section – building to the choral tutti with thewords “joy to the world.”

The title comes from the Latin oblivio/oblivium meaning 'to forget ' or better 'the condition of being forgotten unknown.' Astor Piazzolla's (Argentinian) music originally written for instrumental ensemble perfectly depictsthis rather melancholy mood. Using carefully selected nonsense syllables this skilled arranger has given advanced high school college and community choirs the opportunity to include this much-loved music in their performances. Choirs will love performing (and rehearsing!) this one.SATB Unaccompanied.