Astor Piazzolla: Ausencias

A live performance of Ausencias, presented in an arrangement by Sergio Assad, and performed by Stirling Trent, Adam Brown, and Colin Davin. Originally composed by Astor Piazzolla for the soundtrack of the 1986 film Tangos, the Exile of Gardel (Tangos, l'exil de Gardel), Ausencias—which translates to ‘Absences’—captures a profound sense of nostalgia, longing, and remembrance. The music reflects the emotional landscape of exile portrayed in the film, evoking both distance and deep connection. As part of the Nuevo Tango movement, the piece blends traditional tango rhythms with elements of jazz and classical music, creating a style that is as much for listening as it is rooted in dance traditions. While originally written for a tango ensemble featuring the bandoneón, Ausencias has since been adapted for a wide range of instrumental settings. This particular arrangement offers a unique perspective on Piazzolla’s work. Unfortunately, the score for this version is no longer available, as the physical copies have been lost—but we’re grateful to be able to share this performance.