History and Musicality of Argentine Tango
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Transcript of History and Musicality of Argentine Tango
History and Musicality History and Musicality of Argentine Tangoof Argentine Tango
A sad thought that can be A sad thought that can be danceddanced
Bob Barnes, Mandragora Tango Orchestra http://www.mandragoratango.com
AgendaAgenda
A Quick gloss of Tango HistoryA Quick gloss of Tango History Telling Tango from Vals from MilongaTelling Tango from Vals from Milonga Micro-Tango: Tango BeatsMicro-Tango: Tango Beats Middle-Tango: Texture and CounterpointMiddle-Tango: Texture and Counterpoint Macro-Tango: Phrasing and StructureMacro-Tango: Phrasing and Structure
Talking about music is Talking about music is like dancing about like dancing about
architecturearchitectureLaurie AndersonLaurie Anderson
What Is TangoWhat Is Tango Classical music you can Classical music you can
dance todance to A sad thought that can A sad thought that can
be dancedbe danced A vertical expression of A vertical expression of
a horizontal desirea horizontal desire Couple’s dancing where Couple’s dancing where
contact isn’t broken contact isn’t broken and hips are not shakenand hips are not shaken
The only Latin music The only Latin music without drumswithout drums
Argentine Melting PotArgentine Melting Pot Much like the US, but Spanish speakingMuch like the US, but Spanish speaking Founded by Spanish in 1500sFounded by Spanish in 1500s Country of immigrants. Country of immigrants. Most Argentines have Italian namesMost Argentines have Italian names Most Argentines claim to have one cousin Most Argentines claim to have one cousin
in New York and one in Italy (it’s a joke!)in New York and one in Italy (it’s a joke!) Slavery was not a huge economic factor, Slavery was not a huge economic factor,
so much less African influence.so much less African influence.
The Origins The Origins of Tangoof Tango
Cuban Cuban “Habanera”“Habanera”
Italian Opera & Italian Opera & Neapolitan Neapolitan SongsSongs
Eastern Eastern European PolkaEuropean Polka
Spanish GuitarSpanish Guitar
Tangos first appeared in Tangos first appeared in BrothelsBrothels
Buenos Aires had Buenos Aires had twice as many men as twice as many men as women in the 1890swomen in the 1890s
Bars and Brothels Bars and Brothels were social spots for were social spots for working class menworking class men
Taxi dancing for a Taxi dancing for a TandaTanda
Men would dance with Men would dance with each other while each other while waiting for womenwaiting for women
Needless to say, tango Needless to say, tango was looked down upon was looked down upon by polite societyby polite society
La Guardia Vieja (Old La Guardia Vieja (Old Guard)Guard)
Quartets of Flute, Guitar, Quartets of Flute, Guitar, Bando & ViolinBando & Violin
Pianos and basses added Pianos and basses added much latermuch later
A-B-A-Trio form, just like a A-B-A-Trio form, just like a march or ragtimemarch or ragtime
Firpo, Maglio, Berdi, Orquesta Firpo, Maglio, Berdi, Orquesta Tipica VictorTipica Victor
Here is “Sabado Ingles” Here is “Sabado Ingles” (English Saturday)(English Saturday)
Juan “Pacho” Maglio, 1917Juan “Pacho” Maglio, 1917
Tango goes to ParisTango goes to Paris
Right after WW1, Tango takes Right after WW1, Tango takes Europe by StormEurope by Storm
Huge fad that remains to this Huge fad that remains to this dayday
All of a sudden, Tango becomes All of a sudden, Tango becomes “respectable” in Buenos Aires“respectable” in Buenos Aires
Finnish Tango starts at this time Finnish Tango starts at this time but diverges over the 20but diverges over the 20thth CenturyCentury
Canaro en ParisCanaro en ParisFrancisco Canaro took his band Francisco Canaro took his band
to Paris and became to Paris and became superstars.superstars.
When the Scarpino brothers When the Scarpino brothers heard about this, they wrote heard about this, they wrote “Canaro en Paris“Canaro en Paris” to celebrate” to celebrate
Warning: In Warning: In 1917, Pope 1917, Pope Benedict XV Benedict XV
Condemned the Condemned the Tango, calling it Tango, calling it
immoral and immoral and lascivious. Your lascivious. Your
mileage may mileage may vary.vary.
Garlos GardelGarlos Gardel Born 1887Born 1887 Either in France or Either in France or
Uruguay Uruguay Do not mention France to Do not mention France to
an Uruguyan. The French an Uruguyan. The French don’t really care, though. don’t really care, though.
One of the first Latin One of the first Latin mega-recording stars mega-recording stars
First Latin matinee idolFirst Latin matinee idol Killed in a plane crash in Killed in a plane crash in
Medellln, Columbia in Medellln, Columbia in 19351935
They say he sounds They say he sounds better every daybetter every day
Gardel’s grave is Gardel’s grave is always tended and always tended and he usually has a lit he usually has a lit cigarette in his handcigarette in his hand
Here is “Mi Buenos Here is “Mi Buenos Aires querido”Aires querido”
Epoca de Oro (Golden Age)Epoca de Oro (Golden Age)
1930-1950 (Roughly)1930-1950 (Roughly) When someone says they dance “Argentine When someone says they dance “Argentine
Tango”, this is what they meanTango”, this is what they mean Orquesta Tipica: 4 Bandos, 4 Violins, Bass, Orquesta Tipica: 4 Bandos, 4 Violins, Bass,
Piano and a Singer.Piano and a Singer. 3-4 minutes. 3-4 minutes. Singer starts half way though. Singer starts half way though. Chan-chan at the endChan-chan at the end Bahia Blanca by Carlos DiSarliBahia Blanca by Carlos DiSarli Garua by Anibal TroiloGarua by Anibal Troilo
Transitional PeriodTransitional Period After WW2, Argentina After WW2, Argentina
was very rich from was very rich from selling food (mostly selling food (mostly beef) to Europebeef) to Europe
Political instabilityPolitical instability Juan and Eva (Evita) Juan and Eva (Evita)
PeronPeron Tango became more Tango became more
complex and more for complex and more for listeninglistening
Osvaldo Pugliese: La Osvaldo Pugliese: La YumbaYumba
Astor Piazzolla and the New Astor Piazzolla and the New TangoTango
Born in Mar del Plata Born in Mar del Plata in 1921in 1921
Moved to New York Moved to New York when he was 5when he was 5
Spoke better English Spoke better English than Spanish!than Spanish!
NY Errand Boy for NY Errand Boy for GardelGardel
Cameo in “Rubias de Cameo in “Rubias de Nueva York”Nueva York”
Astor Piazzolla, cont.Astor Piazzolla, cont. Moved to Paris to study Moved to Paris to study
classical compositionclassical composition Moved back to Buenos Moved back to Buenos
Aires and started playing Aires and started playing tango his waytango his way
Merged Tango, Classical Merged Tango, Classical and Jazz.and Jazz.
Dancers and Dancers and traditionalists hated ittraditionalists hated it
Now a national heroNow a national hero Most played classical Most played classical
composer of second half composer of second half of 20of 20thth. century . century
““Muerte del Angel”Muerte del Angel”
Near Death Experience of Near Death Experience of TangoTango
Went out of fashionWent out of fashion Urban vs. Rural tension w/ JuntasUrban vs. Rural tension w/ Juntas Rock and Folklorico Rock and Folklorico In BsAs, there are many more places In BsAs, there are many more places
to dance Salsa than Tangoto dance Salsa than Tango Tango became a listening genreTango became a listening genre Dramatic singers and big orchestrasDramatic singers and big orchestras ““Tango for Export”Tango for Export”
Rebirth of TangoRebirth of Tango End of military Juntas in 1982End of military Juntas in 1982 Luis Bravo’s “Forever Tango” in 1985 Luis Bravo’s “Forever Tango” in 1985
popularized it in Europe and N. Americapopularized it in Europe and N. America Popularity of PiazzollaPopularity of Piazzolla Collapse of Argentine economyCollapse of Argentine economy Tourism Tourism Danced all over the planet. Extremely Danced all over the planet. Extremely
popular in France, Finland, Germany, popular in France, Finland, Germany, Turkey, and JapanTurkey, and Japan
About 300 tango dancers in Mpls.About 300 tango dancers in Mpls. Check out mntango.com to learn moreCheck out mntango.com to learn more
Furrowed Brow Scale
Less Intense
MoreIntense
CanaroFresedo
Guardia ViejaBallroom Tango
PugliesePiazzolla
De Angelis(Fernandez Fierro)
DeCaroLaurenz
D’ArienzoBiaggi
TroiloCalo
Tanturi
Guardia Vieja (Old Guard)
CanaroFirpo
MaglioO.T.V.
Tango SongCarlos Gardel
Epocha Decarana (“New Guard”)
DeCaroLaurenzBiaggi
Fresedo
International (Ballroom)
TangoRussian / French /Turkish / Finnish /
Japanese / American
Golden Age Lyrical
CaloEarly Troilo
Tanturi
Golden Age Rhythmic
D’ArienzoDiSarli
Early Pugliese
Evolutionary Tango (“Tango
for Export”)Sassone
De AngelisLate Troilo
Revolutionary TangoPiazzolla
Salgan / Quinteto RealLate Pugliese
Tango NuevoPiazzollaGarello
Tango RebirthColor TangoEl Arranque
Fernandez FierroEsquela de Tango
1900 1920 1935 1950 1965 1985
What Dancers in Buenos Aires
Actually Dance To
1895 1917 1935 1946 1955 1982 1986 20011910
Prostitutes and Johns
French Dandies
American, Finnish, Russian,
Japanese, Turkish
Paleo-Hipsters
Non-Whoring Argentines& Gardel
Fans
Golden Age(Epocha de oro)
PeronLong decline into
Cultural irrelavancy
Hard-core old-time Milongueros and
European Music Fans
“Tango Forever”
Founding of Mandragora
Tango
Folks who got into
Tango after it’s rebirth
Youare
here
Argentines who don’t likeElvis or
the Beatles
Sub
ject
ive
Mea
sure
of T
ango
Pop
ular
ity
Guardia Vieja(Old Guard)
TangoRebirth
WW1 WW2
Most Argentines
Guardia Neuva(New Guard)
“Tango forExport”
Telling Tango from Vals from Telling Tango from Vals from MilongaMilonga
Vals is easy: Can you say Oom-pah-pah to the Vals is easy: Can you say Oom-pah-pah to the beat (i.e. count 1-2-3, 1-2-3…)beat (i.e. count 1-2-3, 1-2-3…)
Milonga: Can you say “Pan y Vino” (“Bread Milonga: Can you say “Pan y Vino” (“Bread and wine”)? Is the beat a bit fast to walk? You and wine”)? Is the beat a bit fast to walk? You can say “Bread and Chocolate” in English.can say “Bread and Chocolate” in English.
Tango: Walking tempo. Count 1-2-3-4. Not a Tango: Walking tempo. Count 1-2-3-4. Not a vals or milonga.vals or milonga.
(except with drums, electronic instruments or (except with drums, electronic instruments or live music)live music)
A bar (compas) is 4 equal A bar (compas) is 4 equal stepssteps
1 2 3 4
4 quarter notes in a bar 4 quarter notes in a bar is called 4/4 time.is called 4/4 time.
A band will put different A band will put different weights on different beats. weights on different beats.
This is “En 4”This is “En 4”
1
23
4
1 2 3 4
If you have 4 beats and play If you have 4 beats and play them with the same weight, 3 them with the same weight, 3
of them will be wrongof them will be wrong
This is “En 2”. Note how This is “En 2”. Note how there is just the slightest there is just the slightest
hint of 2 & 4hint of 2 & 4
1
2
3
4
This is the opposite of Rock This is the opposite of Rock and Swing!and Swing!
1
2
3
4
A heavy 2 & 4 is called a “Backbeat” and does not exist in tango.Hips should not sway with the music.
Example: “Hit the Road, Jack”
Tangos mix up “En Dos” and “En Tangos mix up “En Dos” and “En Quattro”Quattro”
1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2
A Sincopa (syncopation) is when the A Sincopa (syncopation) is when the accent shifts by ½ beat. Notice that accent shifts by ½ beat. Notice that
there is no 2there is no 2ndnd or 4 or 4thth beat. beat.
This can be used to go from parallel to cross system!
1 3& &
A Sincopa can be used to move between A Sincopa can be used to move between beatsbeats
1 2 3 4 1 21 3& & 1 3& &
A series of bars will end with a “Chan-A series of bars will end with a “Chan-chan”chan”
We will spend a lot of time learning to stop on We will spend a lot of time learning to stop on these beatsthese beats
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1CHAN
CHAN
An “arrastre” (drag) is sometimes used An “arrastre” (drag) is sometimes used to accent the first beat of a bar (but not to accent the first beat of a bar (but not
in every bar!)in every bar!)It can sound like a growlIt can sound like a growl
Here is an example of a break in the Here is an example of a break in the music. This pause is like storing up music. This pause is like storing up
potential energy that the arrastre can potential energy that the arrastre can be used to dissipatebe used to dissipate
12 3
41
& 2 34
1
PhrasingPhrasing
Basic building blocks of musical formBasic building blocks of musical form Traditionally, a phrase is how much a Traditionally, a phrase is how much a
person can sing on one breath.person can sing on one breath. Usually 4 barsUsually 4 bars Phrases can leave you in the air Phrases can leave you in the air
(Antecedent)(Antecedent) Phrases can ground you (Consequent)Phrases can ground you (Consequent) In Tango a “Chan-chan” ends each In Tango a “Chan-chan” ends each
Consequent phraseConsequent phrase
Antecedent (Lifting) and Antecedent (Lifting) and Consequent (Grounding) Consequent (Grounding)
PhrasesPhrasesAmazing Grace, how sweet the sound!
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
Antecedent
Antecedent
Antecedent
Consequent Stop
Benjamin Zander on Benjamin Zander on PhrasingPhrasing
From his 2010 TED talk, “The Transcormative Power of Classical Music”
Windows are the spaces Windows are the spaces between phrases.between phrases.
Some windows pause time. At the end of Some windows pause time. At the end of an antecedant. A good place for a showy an antecedant. A good place for a showy figure or a dramatic pausefigure or a dramatic pause
Some windows mark time: the end of a Some windows mark time: the end of a consequent phrase. A good place to consequent phrase. A good place to collect your feet and relax for a split collect your feet and relax for a split second.second.
Windows are a place where a solo Windows are a place where a solo instrument can fill in or the orchestra can instrument can fill in or the orchestra can leave a space for the dancer’s imaginationleave a space for the dancer’s imagination
As an exercise, listen for windows in every As an exercise, listen for windows in every tango you hear. Shout out if you hear one!tango you hear. Shout out if you hear one!
Tango FormTango Form
Several phrases together make a sectionSeveral phrases together make a section A section has a “Chan-chan” at the end.A section has a “Chan-chan” at the end. Each section will have a different affectEach section will have a different affect Sections are usually called “A” and “B” and Sections are usually called “A” and “B” and
“Trio”“Trio” If one section is major (happy) the next one If one section is major (happy) the next one
will be minor (sad)will be minor (sad) You should dance each section distinctly.You should dance each section distinctly.
Antecedent ConsequentAntecedent Antecedent
Rhythmic vs. LyricalRhythmic vs. Lyrical
Murat Erdemsel’s big thing: bouba vs. kikiMurat Erdemsel’s big thing: bouba vs. kiki
Rhythmic vs. LyricalRhythmic vs. Lyrical Tango is always somewhere on this continuum.Tango is always somewhere on this continuum. Easy to hear, but takes a long time to learn to dance to it.Easy to hear, but takes a long time to learn to dance to it. Lois will talk a lot about this in her part later.Lois will talk a lot about this in her part later.
More StructureMore Structure In BsAs, no one dances at the start of a In BsAs, no one dances at the start of a
song.song. Folks stand around and flirt (dar Folks stand around and flirt (dar
priopos) for 30 seconds or sopriopos) for 30 seconds or so The band can play an intro (top) that is The band can play an intro (top) that is
out of rhythmout of rhythm The coda (tail) usually restates a main The coda (tail) usually restates a main
theme.theme. Many instrumental Tangos end with a Many instrumental Tangos end with a
bandoneon variacion bandoneon variacion Vocal tangos often have the singer drop Vocal tangos often have the singer drop
out and come back in. The return of the out and come back in. The return of the singing is your 40-second warning!singing is your 40-second warning!
Applying Structure to Applying Structure to DanceDance
Psychological theory that states that Psychological theory that states that people best remember the first few items people best remember the first few items and the last few items in a list. (Primacy and the last few items in a list. (Primacy and Recency)and Recency)
Allevare: the first move in a tango. Make Allevare: the first move in a tango. Make it count! Make it with authority and it count! Make it with authority and gravitas!gravitas!
Buena Pinatura: paint a “good picture” Buena Pinatura: paint a “good picture” with your last move. Followers dig it when with your last move. Followers dig it when the leader ends on the last beatthe leader ends on the last beat
Most likely to forget stuff in the middle. Most likely to forget stuff in the middle. Save your crappy moves for here.Save your crappy moves for here.
Form Carlos DiSarli’s Bahia Blanca
A: Antecedent ConsequentAntecedent Antecedent
ConsequentB: Antecedent Antecedent Antecedent
A: Antecedent ConsequentAntecedent Antecedent
ConsequentB: Antecedent Antecedent Antecedent
A: Antecedent ConsequentAntecedent Antecedent
Example 2:Example 2:Juan Juan
D’Arienzo’sD’Arienzo’sversion ofversion ofCanaro en Canaro en
ParisParis
Form of D’arienzo’s Canaro en Paris
Intro / Bridge
A: Antecedent ConsequentAntecedent Antecedent
ConsequentB: Antecedent Antecedent Antecedent
Intro / Bridge
Intro / Bridge
A: Antecedent ConsequentAntecedent Antecedent
ConsequentC: AntecedentAntecedent Antecedent
A: Antecedent ConsequentAntecedent Antecedent
ConsequentC: AntecedentAntecedent AntecedentWith a fast variation in the Bandoneons
Form of Troilo’s Garua
A:
ConsequentB: Antecedent Antecedent Antecedent
Consequent-ishAntecedent Antecedent
ConsequentAntecedent
A: Consequent-ishAntecedent Antecedent
ConsequentAntecedent
ConsequentB: Antecedent Antecedent Antecedent
ConsequentB: Antecedent Antecedent Antecedent
Sung by Fiorentino