Celebrated opera star Erwin Schrott dedicates his debut album on Sony Classical to the irresistible and passionate music of his Latin American origin.

This highly personal album has great significance for Erwin and comes from the depth of his heart. He chose to collaborate with Astor Piazzolla’s former pianist Pablo Ziegler, who not only plays piano on the album, but also provides both authentic musical arrangements, as well as his own original compositions.

The imaginative and intriguing program features a varied and exciting selection of passionate tangos by Astor Piazzolla, Pablo Ziegler and Juan Carlos Cobian as well as a number of evocative Argentinean and Brazilian folk songs.

Rojotango (Red Tango) forms a leitmotiv to the whole album and illustrates the emotional range featured in Tango: “ a mixture of passion, excitement, pain, bliss, torment and freedom” as Erwin Schrott puts it.

The music of South America, steeped in sultry passion, irresistible dance rhythms and melancholic reflection is a unique challenge for the vocal and interpretive abilities of a great singer. “Rojotango” promises to reveal new facets of Erwin’s sensuously dark, chocolaty voice.

Tracklisting:

1.    Rojotango (Pablo Ziegler)
2.    Oblivion (Astor Piazzolla)
3.    Chiquilín de bachín (Astor Piazzolla)
4.    Gracias a la vida (Violeta Parra)
5.    Agua y vino (Egberto Gismonti)
6.    Saveiros (Dori Caymmi)
7.    Los pájaros perditos (Astor Piazzolla)
8.    Milongá en el viento (Pablo Ziegler)
9.    Rinascerò (Astor Piazzolla)
10.    Insensatez (Antonio Carlos Jobim)
11.    Bocha (Astor Piazzolla)
12.    Desde que o samba é samba (Caetano Veloso)

“There is deliciously liquid melody within his sensuous singing.” - The Times

“This hugely gifted Uruguayan Bass oozes sex appeal, but he doesn’t just preen his good looks and firm pecs – this is a subtle and thoughtful characterisation... sung with clarity and sensitivity” – The Daily Telegraph

“For once, the critic’s were unanimous in their praise; Schrott’s performance was hailed as magnificent.” - The Times

“He sang and acted rings around everyone else, showing a gorgeous, dark, versatile bass. Young, hyperkinetic and hunky, he is a boring singer’s nightmare.” - Opera News