Ksenija Sidorova on Piazzolla and the accordion

This year is the centenary of the birth of the Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, an anniversary celebrated by the accordionist Ksenija Sidorova on her new Alpha Classics, ‘Piazzolla Reflections’. Now based in Madrid, Ksenija talked by video call with Gramophone’s Editor in Chief, James Jolly about the album, her instrument and the other composers who appear on the programme. Running through the album are many Piazzolla gems including the Bandoneon Concerto, Aconcagua, the ever-popular Libertango and shorter pieces, but Ksenija has added new works, many written for her, to show off her instrument’s range and communicative power. Gramophone Podcasts are presented in association with Wigmore Hall, where the music continues despite lockdown with 40 streamed concerts every weekday from Monday, February 22 until April 3, 2021.