5.3 Tango

Tango, born in late 19th-century Buenos Aires and Montevideo, blends African, European, and native influences. This iconic dance and music style emerged from the cultural melting pot of working-class neighborhoods, fusing diverse traditions into a unique art form.

Tango's evolution reflects Argentina's history and identity. From its humble origins to international fame, tango has become a symbol of passion and nostalgia, influencing music and dance worldwide while remaining deeply rooted in Argentine culture.

Origins of tango

• Tango emerged in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo
• Developed as a fusion of various musical and dance traditions brought by African slaves, European immigrants, and native Argentines
• Debate persists over whether tango originated primarily in Argentina or Uruguay, with both countries claiming it as their national dance

African influences

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• Rhythmic patterns and dance movements derived from candombe, a music and dance style brought by African slaves to the Río de la Plata region
• Use of the bandoneón, a type of concertina, which has its roots in German instrument-making but was adopted and popularized by tango musicians
• Syncopation and polyrhythms, characteristic of African musical traditions, are prominent in tango music

European influences

• Melodic and harmonic elements drawn from Italian and Spanish folk music, as well as salon music popular in Europe during the 19th century
• Incorporation of the piano, violin, and guitar, instruments commonly used in European classical and folk music
• Influence of the Cuban habanera rhythm, which was popular in Spain and made its way to Argentina via sailors and immigrants

Argentine vs Uruguayan origins

• Both Buenos Aires and Montevideo were major port cities that experienced an influx of European immigrants in the late 19th century, creating a melting pot of cultures
• Tango likely developed simultaneously in both cities, with musicians and dancers moving back and forth across the Río de la Plata
• Some scholars argue that the term "tango" itself has Argentine origins, deriving from the African word "tango" meaning "closed space" or "reserved ground"

Musical characteristics

• Tango music is characterized by its distinctive rhythms, melodic style, and instrumentation
• Evolved over time, with early tango featuring smaller ensembles and simpler arrangements, while modern tango incorporates more complex harmonies and larger orchestras
• Tango music often evokes a sense of nostalgia, passion, and melancholy, reflecting the themes of love, loss, and longing common in tango lyrics

Rhythmic patterns

• Tango rhythms are based on a 4/4 time signature, with a strong emphasis on the second and fourth beats
• Habanera rhythm, consisting of a dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note, is a key rhythmic pattern in tango music
• Syncopation, where accents are placed on the off-beats, is commonly used to create a sense of forward momentum and tension

Melodic style

• Tango melodies often feature long, expressive phrases with a wide range and frequent use of ornamentation such as trills, mordents, and glissandi
• Melodies are typically played by the bandoneón or violin, with the piano providing harmonic support and rhythmic accompaniment
• Improvisation is an important element of tango music, with musicians often embellishing or varying the melody during performances

Harmonic progressions

• Tango harmonies are rooted in European classical and romantic music, with frequent use of minor keys and chromaticism
• Common chord progressions include the ii-V-I and the tango cadence (I-IV-V-I), which creates a sense of tension and resolution
• Modulation to different keys within a single piece is common, often used to create a sense of emotional or narrative development

Instrumentation in early tango

• Early tango ensembles typically consisted of a few instruments, such as flute, guitar, and violin
• Bandoneón was introduced to tango in the early 20th century and quickly became the signature instrument of the genre
• Piano was also incorporated into tango ensembles, providing a harmonic foundation and rhythmic drive

Instrumentation in modern tango

• Modern tango orchestras, known as orquestas típicas, usually include several bandoneóns, violins, piano, and double bass
• Electric guitar and electronic instruments have been incorporated into some contemporary tango ensembles, particularly in the tango nuevo style
• Larger orchestras may also include additional string instruments (viola and cello), as well as percussion and wind instruments (clarinet and trumpet)

Dance elements

• Tango dance is an integral part of the tango tradition, evolving alongside the music in Buenos Aires and Montevideo
• Characterized by its intimate embrace, intricate footwork, and improvised nature
• Various styles of tango dance have developed over time, each with its own unique characteristics and techniques

Basic steps & figures

• Tango dance is based on a set of basic steps and figures, which are combined and varied by the dancers to create a unique, improvised dance
• Key figures include the salida (exit), cruzada (cross), ochos (figure eights), and giros (turns)
• Dancers must maintain a close connection and communicate through subtle shifts in weight and pressure, known as the "lead and follow" dynamic

Role of leader vs follower

• In traditional tango, the dance is led by the male partner (leader), while the female partner (follower) responds to and interprets the leader's cues
• Leader is responsible for navigating the dance floor, initiating steps and figures, and ensuring the safety and comfort of the follower
• Follower must be attuned to the leader's body and respond to their movements with precision and grace, while also contributing their own style and interpretation

Relationship between music & dance

• Tango dance is closely tied to the music, with dancers interpreting and expressing the rhythms, melodies, and emotions of the song through their movements
• Dancers often pause or slow their movements during the melodic sections of the music, known as the "lyrical" moments, and increase their speed and intensity during the rhythmic sections
• Musicality, or the ability to express and respond to the nuances of the music, is a highly prized skill among tango dancers

Tango dance styles

• Several distinct styles of tango dance have emerged, each with its own characteristics and techniques
• Tango de salón is the most common style, danced socially in clubs and milongas (tango dance events), and is characterized by its elegant, upright posture and smooth, gliding movements
• Tango milonguero is a more intimate and compact style, danced in a close embrace with smaller steps and more emphasis on rhythmic interpretation
• Tango nuevo, developed in the late 20th century, incorporates elements of modern dance and allows for more open and experimental movements, often danced to non-traditional tango music

Tango song

• Tango music is often accompanied by lyrics, which play a crucial role in expressing the emotions and themes of the genre
• Tango songs, known as tangos cantados, emerged in the early 20th century and became an integral part of the tango tradition
• Lyrics often explore themes of love, heartbreak, nostalgia, and the struggles of everyday life in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo

Lyrical themes

• Tango lyrics frequently deal with the pain of lost love, betrayal, and the longing for a past that cannot be reclaimed
• Many songs also reflect the experiences of the working-class immigrants who settled in the port cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, expressing their struggles, dreams, and aspirations
• Other common themes include the celebration of the tango itself, the city of Buenos Aires, and the nostalgia for a simpler, more romantic time

Vocal techniques

• Tango singers, known as cancionistas, are known for their expressive, emotional vocal style
• Often employ a technique called "arrastre" (dragging), where they linger on certain syllables or notes to create a sense of tension and release
• Vibrato, portamento (sliding between notes), and rubato (flexible tempo) are also commonly used to convey emotion and interpret the lyrics

Notable tango singers

• Carlos Gardel, one of the most famous tango singers of all time, is credited with popularizing the tango canción (tango song) in the 1920s and 1930s
• Other notable male tango singers include Ignacio Corsini, Agustín Magaldi, and Roberto Goyeneche, known for their powerful, expressive voices and interpretive skills
• Female tango singers, such as Libertad Lamarque, Tita Merello, and Ada Falcón, also played a significant role in the development of the tango canción, bringing a unique perspective and vocal style to the genre

Golden age of tango

• The "Golden Age" of tango refers to the period from the mid-1930s to the early 1950s, when tango reached its peak of popularity and artistic development
• During this time, tango music and dance spread beyond the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, gaining international recognition and becoming a symbol of Argentine culture
• The Golden Age saw the emergence of many of the most famous tango composers, musicians, and orchestras, as well as the popularization of tango in Europe and the United States

Key composers & musicians

• Some of the most influential tango composers of the Golden Age include Juan D'Arienzo, Aníbal Troilo, Osvaldo Pugliese, and Carlos Di Sarli
• These composers were known for their distinct musical styles and innovations, such as D'Arienzo's fast-paced, rhythmic approach and Pugliese's complex, avant-garde arrangements
• Notable tango musicians of the era include bandoneónists Pedro Maffia and Ciriaco Ortiz, violinists Elvino Vardaro and Enrique Mario Francini, and pianists Rodolfo Biagi and Osmar Maderna

Popularization & spread

• During the Golden Age, tango music and dance became widely popular throughout Argentina and Uruguay, with tango orchestras performing regularly at dance halls, clubs, and radio stations
• Tango also gained international recognition during this period, with Argentine tango orchestras touring Europe and the United States, and tango music and dance being featured in Hollywood films
• The popularity of tango during the Golden Age helped to establish it as a symbol of Argentine national identity and culture

Tango in Paris

• Paris played a significant role in the popularization of tango outside of South America during the Golden Age
• In the 1920s and 1930s, Paris became a center for tango music and dance, with Argentine tango orchestras and dancers performing in the city's cabarets and dance halls
• The Parisian tango scene attracted artists, intellectuals, and high society figures from around the world, helping to spread the popularity of tango and establish it as a sophisticated, cosmopolitan art form

Tango nuevo

• Tango nuevo (new tango) is a style of tango music that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by its incorporation of elements from jazz, classical music, and other genres
• Developed by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, who sought to revolutionize tango music and bring it into the realm of serious, avant-garde art music
• Tango nuevo often features complex harmonies, unconventional instrumentation, and extended compositional forms, challenging traditional notions of tango music

Astor Piazzolla's innovations

• Astor Piazzolla is considered the father of tango nuevo, having developed a unique compositional style that blended tango with elements of jazz and classical music
• Piazzolla's compositions often featured dissonant harmonies, counterpoint, and extended techniques on the bandoneón, pushing the boundaries of traditional tango music
• He also experimented with unconventional instrumentation, incorporating electric guitar, flute, and percussion into his ensembles, and wrote extended compositions that broke free from the constraints of the traditional tango song form

Incorporation of jazz elements

• Tango nuevo incorporates many elements of jazz, such as improvisation, complex chord progressions, and extended harmonies
• Piazzolla and other tango nuevo composers often employed jazz-influenced phrasing and rhythmic patterns, as well as the use of syncopation and polyrhythms
• The influence of jazz can also be heard in the improvisational style of tango nuevo musicians, who often take extended solos and engage in musical dialogue with other members of the ensemble

Controversial reception

• The emergence of tango nuevo was met with controversy and resistance from some traditionalists in the tango community, who saw it as a departure from the authentic spirit of tango
• Critics argued that tango nuevo's incorporation of foreign elements and avant-garde techniques stripped tango of its essential character and connection to the dance floor
• Despite these criticisms, tango nuevo gained a significant following among younger generations of musicians and audiences, and has had a lasting impact on the development of tango music in the late 20th and early 21st centuries

Cultural significance

• Tango has played a significant role in shaping Argentine national identity and culture, as well as spreading Argentine culture to the rest of the world
• The music and dance of tango have come to symbolize the passion, sensuality, and nostalgia associated with Argentine culture, particularly the culture of Buenos Aires
• Tango has also had a global influence, inspiring artists and musicians around the world and contributing to the development of world music and dance

Tango as national symbol

• Tango is widely recognized as a symbol of Argentine national identity, both within the country and around the world
• The Argentine government has taken steps to promote and preserve tango as a cultural heritage, including the creation of the National Academy of Tango and the declaration of tango as a national cultural treasure
• Tango has also been used as a tool of cultural diplomacy, with Argentine tango orchestras and dancers serving as cultural ambassadors for the country

Tango's global influence

• Tango has had a significant impact on music and dance around the world, influencing genres such as jazz, classical music, and ballroom dance
• Tango music and dance have been embraced by artists and audiences in Europe, North America, and Asia, with tango festivals and competitions held in cities around the globe
• The global popularity of tango has helped to promote Argentine culture and foster cultural exchange between Argentina and the rest of the world

Tango in Argentine society

• Tango remains an important part of Argentine social and cultural life, particularly in Buenos Aires, where tango music and dance can be found in clubs, cafes, and public spaces throughout the city
• The tango community in Argentina is diverse, encompassing people of all ages, social classes, and backgrounds, united by their love for the music and dance
• Tango also plays a role in Argentine education and cultural preservation, with tango classes and workshops offered in schools and community centers, and efforts made to document and archive the history and traditions of tango