Tango

Overview

The tango had its origins in the late 19th century in the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires.  A fusion of European, African and Cuban influences, it spread to Europe in the early 20th century and soon became a popular ballroom dance.

Date and place of origin: Late 19th century, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Main types

  • Argentine tango – traditional tango from Argentina.
  • Ballroom tango – danced in American and European ballrooms.
  • Tango Nuevo – includes jazz and classical elements.
  • Electro tango – influenced by electronic music.

Famous composers

  • Roberto Firpo
  • Francisco Canaro
  • Asstor Piazzolla

Dance steps

The tango is a paired dance – couples hold each other in a close embrace. The upper body remains largely in the same position while the interest comes from the dancer’s legs, with fast steps and a stalking type of walk.

Key Features

Metre, Rhythm and Tempo

The tango is usually written in 2/4 time at a tempo of around = 66, which is slow enough to feel four quaver beats per bar. When written in 4/4 time, a tempo of = 66 gives the same effect. 

Jerky rhythms are common, with syncopation, dotted rhythms and staccato notes. 

Melody

Melodies have regular phrase lengths (usually 2 or 4 bars).
They are often chromatic and sometimes sound quite jazzy. 
Tango melodies are usually lyrical, soaring above the spiky rhythms in the accompaniment. 

Instrumentation

A classic tango orchestra (called an orquesta tipica) is usually made up of: 

  • Bandoneóns – similar to the accordion
  • Violins
  • Piano
  • Double bass

 

Test Yourself

  • Which country does tango come from?
  • Which of the following instruments is associated with tango?Balalaika 
    • Bandoneón 
    • Harp 
    • Marimba 
    • Oboe
  • What is the main difference between Argentine tango and electro tango?
  • Describe two characteristics of tango melodies.

'ADIÓS PAMPA MÍA' by Fransico Canaro

Francisco Canaro was the leader of a successful orquesta tipica. This song is an example of Argentine tango. Characteristic features include:

  • The 4/4 metre.
  • The short, accented notes and syncopated rhythms played by the bandoneón to accompany the melody.
  • The line-up of voice, bandoneóns, violins, piano and pizzicato double bass.
  • The regular, 4-bar phrases.
  • The lyrical melody that contrasts with the spiky accompaniment.

‘ADIÓS NONINO’ By Ástor Piazzolla

This is one of Piazzolla’s most famous tangos, written in memory of his father shortly after he died in 1959.  It is an example of tango nuevo.
Listen out for the classical, jazz and contemporary influences in particular:

  • The use of electric guitar 
  • The improvisatory cadenza for piano at the start of the piece, which makes use of rich, jazz-influenced harmonies.
  • More traditional elements include:
  • The frequent syncopation and spiky rhythms.
  • The 4/4 metre.
  • The use of violin, bandoneón, piano and double bass.
  • The lyrical melodies.