El EncuentroECM ****

Only the stoniest heart could resist this lovely collaboration between bandoneon master Dino Saluzzi and the Metropole Orchestra, conducted by Jules Buckley. Using the sinfonia concertante form, he composed four pieces involving himself, Anja Lechner (cello) and Felix Saluzzi (tenor) in dialogue of the utmost delicacy with the orchestra, drawing on his Argentinian folk roots and the European classical tradition. The writing, and the interaction – written and improvised – between the soloists, the orchestra and each other are sustained at a remarkably high level. Lechner in particular has great empathy for Saluzzi’s lovely hybrid; to hear cello and bandoneon twine eloquently round each other on Piegaria Andina, or their interplay on the gorgeous Vals de los dias is remarkable. And throughout, Saluzzi’s nuanced handling of the strings yields music of seductive beauty and intelligence. see classical.ie