2. Listening 2- Duo de Amor Listening 1- El Tango de Roxanne Which instrument plays the introduction? What instruments do you hear? How many beats in the bar? Does the tempo stay the same? What do you hear in the bass line? What instrument plays the bass line? Introduction to Tango Listening 4 - Yoyoverde Listening 3 – Cell block Tango Describe the rhythm in the opening section. What role do the voices have? What language is the voice in? Is the bass line repetitive?
3. Origins Buenos Aires, Argentina, late 19th Century Product of large, cosmopolitan city African slaves brought to Argentina to work since 1588 – their music and dance was a strong part in the development of the tango Combined with dances from Europe and Cuba which originated in the poorer slums on the outskirts of Buenos Aires
4. Developments Tango became popular throughout the city Early 1900s – was introduced to Paris By 1913 it had overtaken London and New York as well Acceptance of the dance by the upper classes Source of national pride for Argentina
5. Developments continued… Argentine tango became popular in Europe and the USA- the dancers standardised movements to dance competitively, thus creating the distinct style of ballroom tango In Argentina, tango continued to evolve: tango nuevo began to include aspects of jazz and classical music, incorporating new instruments such as electric guitar and saxophone. Later – electronic music entered tango – samples, loops etc
6. Composers of tango music Roberto Firpowas one of the first composers of tango music. He brought the romantic feel to the style. His tango orchestra was the first to play G.M. Rodriguez’s La Cumparsita Francisco Canarowas another early composer of tango music, but he was better known as a bandleader of a highly successful tango orchestra
7. Composers continued Astor Piazzolla– one of the most famous tango composers. From the 1950s he greatly transformed the traditional style of tango- main contributor to the style of tango nuevo His Libertango has been arranged by many musicians
8. Dance Moves – a sensual dance Partners in a close embrace (similar to waltz but the woman does not lean away from the man so much) Walking- “stalking” character to the steps Quicker sharper movements than waltz – reflects the music Upper body remains largely upright whilst most movements come from the dancers’ legs Women – fast kicks, steps and moves than intertwine with her partner’s legs
10. Musical characteristics Rhythms are accented, short, sharp notes. Reflects the movements, Minor Key – often jazz harmonies Moderate tempo, c.120 beats per minute Regular phrase lengths Bandoneón (similar to accordian), violin, piano and bass = orquestratipica Now often different instruments but often strong string presence
