Several years ago when I was teaching at the Universidade de Aveiro, in Portugal, I was looking on YouTube for stimulating and new music that would inspire my piano students. I ran across “Libertango” à la ANDERSON AND ROE, which has still been one of my favorites of all their works. Inspired by Ástor Piazzolla’s (1921-1992) work by the same name published in 1974 in Milan, Anderson and Roe’s version maintains the spirit of the freed-up new tango that broke with the classical tradition. Indeed, they create even new paths. What impressed me was not only their fine playing, but the witty and sensuous presentation, expert and creative filming, and most of all, their communication – not only between themselves but with their audience. Their approach is new and is revolutionizing the Piano Duo. I had heard their Masterclass the preceding year – also very fine – at the 2013 Music Teacher National Association’s Convention in Anaheim and knew of their blossoming pedagogical penchant. Their tangy published arrangements have been a spicy addition to the repertoire. Finally, I had the opportunity to hear them in live performance in Los Angeles at the 2014 Music Teachers’ Association of California Convention. And even without the clever filming, their performance was thrilling.
What do they communicate? Joy! Love! Excitement! Innovation! And that Classical Music is accessible to the masses, not just to an elite! With only 20 fingers, Anderson and Roe has created a sensation – thanks to the Internet − that is likely to go far beyond what Leonard Bernstein did a half century ago with his “Young People’s Concerts”. Over a million people have viewed “Libertango” and that is just one of many of their excellent performances. The meteoric rise to fame is all the more impressive when one realizes that these two young pianists met at the Juilliard School in 2000 when they were both freshmen.
Viva El Tango! Viva Anderson and Roe!
What do they communicate? Joy! Love! Excitement! Innovation! And that Classical Music is accessible to the masses, not just to an elite! With only 20 fingers, Anderson and Roe has created a sensation – thanks to the Internet − that is likely to go far beyond what Leonard Bernstein did a half century ago with his “Young People’s Concerts”. Over a million people have viewed “Libertango” and that is just one of many of their excellent performances. The meteoric rise to fame is all the more impressive when one realizes that these two young pianists met at the Juilliard School in 2000 when they were both freshmen.
Viva El Tango! Viva Anderson and Roe!
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