Piazzolla has an extensive discography, complicated by reissues, licensing deals, and deceptive titles. (Read an essay on the 100th anniversary of his birth
here.)
Here are five favorites to get started. I have not included here any live albums. To hear how this music sounded like live, pick any live recording by Piazzolla and his second quintet in the 1980s — they are consistently good.
Astor Piazzolla Selected Discography
La Camorra (American Clave/ Nonesuch, 1989)
The title piece is Piazzolla's late masterpiece.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9P8tg_q8jg
Tango Zero Hour (American Clave/Nonesuch, 1986)
Piazzolla and his second quintet in great form, playing old and new pieces, polished to a shine, impeccably produced.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1HAoS4QnaM
Astor Piazzolla y su conjunto 9 (RCA, 1979)
The short-lived Nonet was another brilliant turn in Piazzolla's career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46cAhGK6jTg
Libertango (Chrysalis, 1975)
A different Piazzolla, settled in Rome and trying for a pop-rock variation of New Tango, looking for a new, European audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MepPfI7ebMY
Adios Nonino (Trova, 1969)
A classic. His marvelous first quintet and a masterful version of his emblematic "Adios Nonino."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjwIOImWK14
