Virtuoso pianist Octavio Brunetti passed away on August 29th at the age of 39. A native of Argentina, Mr. Brunetti was best known as a performer of tango music, both as a soloist and with a number of accomplished orchestras and ensembles.
I didn't know him personally, but I enjoyed his inspired playing on many occasions. It was always a good night when Octavio Brunetti was on the bandstand.
His approach to the piano was joyful, playful, elegant, and fun. It's not uncommon to associate tango music with deep, somber emotions, and Brunetti's music communicated those emotions brilliantly. But there was also a sense of comfort and contentment in every note that he played. It was like the persistent, heartfelt hope that springs out of a blues song even when it describes our deepest struggles.
You could see that joy on his face as he played and when he relaxed with friends and admirers. A positive energy seemed to flow from the man in every moment. His music took that joy to soaring heights.
He was technically accomplished, of course. His performances were effortless and consistently flawless. But music is so much more than hitting the right notes at the right time. Octavio Brunetti had an unmatched command of musical expression.
I remember in particular the exaggerated tempo changes that he used to enhance well known pieces. All of a sudden, you felt everything slow down - slower...slower...until time all but stood still. He would play so expressively in that moment of temporal suspension, squeezing every drop of nuance and emotion from each highly anticipated note. And then he would speed up again, as though a powerful and precise machine were accelerating to full throttle.
Words can only describe the experience to a point. I hope that you'll go online and view some of Mr. Brunetti's performances. Or better yet, purchase his album, Te Amo Tango, in order to experience the brilliance of this irreplaceable musician. He was a gem in the worlds of both music and dance, and his joyful, playful, enthusiastic presence will be missed by everyone who ever experienced his incomparable artistry, musicianship, and personal energy.
¡Buena suerte amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel
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