Composer, cellist, conductor, and arranger Jose Bragato (1915-2017) was Italian-born but spent most of his life in Argentina. In 1955, he joined Astor Piazzolla's Nuevo Tango ensemble, pioneering the use of solo cello in tango music. Bragato made countless string arrangements of Piazzolla's music and was instrumental in bringing his contemporary tango music to a global audience. His own compositions are likewise significant entries in the Argentine tango tradition.
His famous 1994 tango Graciela y Buenos Aires (Grace and Buenos Aires) was written for cello and string orchestra, but is presented here in his widely-performed arrangement for cello and piano. The deep lyrical and expressive capabilities of the cello are brought out in full force in this passionate, dreamy mainstay of the tango repertory.
