‘Piazzolla’s History With Tango’ Review: PBS Dances Down to Argentina

Astor Piazzolla occupies a unique position in modern musical composition. His work is as “popular” in its origins as jazz or blues, though it is frequently heard on classical-music stations—where his propulsive tango rhythms remain as infectious as Bach is baroque.

A bridge between musical movements and a singular influence on the music of his native Argentina, Piazzolla dominates the latest installment of “Now Hear This,” the “Great Performances” series hosted by violinist Scott Yoo and his wife, flutist Alice Dade. (Future episodes this season will concern Robert Schumann, Isaac Albéniz and modern classicist Andy Akiho.) Whether their exploration of the music or dancing of tango will lead to a Piazzolla renaissance is uncertain, but there’s a wealth of invigorating music, including Piazzolla’s “History of Tango,” originally composed for flute and guitar and rendered with considerable energy and eloquence by Ms. Dade and Sebastián Henríquez.