Piazzolla for Orchestra
Aconcagua is a bandoneon concerto. Piazzolla wrote it for the bandoneon, and that is the instrument the concerto is scored for. Julien Labro performs it on bandoneon.
Julien Labro on bandoneon.
Three ways to program Piazzolla.
Explore the programs below, then connect with Julien’s team to confirm editions and performing materials.
Aconcagua
Bandoneon Concerto, 1979
A solo instrument.
A full concerto.
Piazzolla’s approximately 24-minute concerto places the bandoneon at the center of three movements.
- I.Allegro marcato
- II.Moderato
- III.Presto
Piazzolla wrote Aconcagua for bandoneon and orchestra. It is not an accordion concerto, and the two instruments are not interchangeable for this work. The bandoneon and accordion are related free-reed instruments, but their keyboards, technique, and sound are different, and this music was written for the bandoneon.
Julien Labro plays both instruments, and he performs Aconcagua on bandoneon.
Hear Julien Labro perform Aconcagua on bandoneon.
- Instrumentation
- Solo bandoneon with strings, piano, harp, timpani, and percussion.
Confirm the current edition, exact forces, and rental materials with Julien’s team.
Explore concerto repertoireCan Aconcagua be played on accordion?
Aconcagua was written for the bandoneon, and the concerto is scored for bandoneon and orchestra. The bandoneon and accordion are related but distinct instruments, with different keyboard systems, technique, and sound. Julien Labro plays both instruments and performs Aconcagua on bandoneon.
What is the difference between a bandoneon and an accordion?
Both are free-reed instruments played with bellows, but the bandoneon has a different button layout, a different playing technique, and a darker, more somber yet tremendously expressive sound. Learn more about the instruments.
The Four Seasons
of Buenos Aires
Three versions for your ensemble
Julien Labro brings Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires (Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas) into the concert hall with the bandoneon at the center, in three versions: solo bandoneon with strings, full orchestra, or guitar, bandoneon and strings.
Piazzolla wrote the four pieces separately between 1965 and 1970 for his quintet: bandoneon, violin, piano, electric guitar, and double bass. Together, they evoke Buenos Aires through the rhythms, colors, and atmosphere of the city itself.
The four seasons
- Verano Porteño Summer
- Otoño Porteño Autumn
- Invierno Porteño Winter
- Primavera Porteña Spring
Choose your version
Bandoneon & string orchestra
The direct alternative to the violin version, and a good fit for chamber and string orchestras.
Bandoneon & full orchestra
The Four Seasons at full symphonic scale, with the bandoneon out front.
Guitar, bandoneon & strings
Julien's arrangement for guitar, bandoneon and strings, recorded with Jason Vieaux and A Far Cry (Azica Records, 2011).
Approximately 30 minutes in all versions.
The Music of
Astor Piazzolla
Julien Labro, Jason Vieaux & A Far Cry
Azica Records · 2011
Choose the right score.
Julien's versions are distinct from Leonid Desyatnikov's 1996 to 1998 arrangement for solo violin and strings. Tell us your ensemble and we'll confirm the right version and materials.
Explore Seasons of Conversation
Tango Meets
Symphony
Piazzolla at full orchestral scale.
A full-orchestra program with Julien Labro on bandoneon can bring together Aconcagua, Adiós Nonino and Libertango, alongside music by Carlos Gardel and Lalo Schifrin.
Repertoire and instrumentation are confirmed for each engagement.
Explore the full program
Which Piazzolla
for your orchestra?
Bring a work, an ensemble, or an idea. Julien’s team can help determine the right format, repertoire, and performing materials for your engagement.
Plan a Piazzolla performanceInclude your venue and likely dates. If you’re still exploring, an approximate orchestra size and a provisional date are enough to start the conversation.