Tango Flashcards
When did the tango spread to Europe?
The early 20th century.
Where does the tango originate from?
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Date and place of origin of the tango
Late 19th century, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Name a famous composer of the tango
Roberto Firpo
What type of dance is the tango?
A paired dance.
How is the tango danced?
The 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.
What time signature is the tango usually written in?
2/4
What is the tempo of a tango?
Around 66 bpm. This is slow enough to feel four quaver beats per bar.
What kind of rhythms does a tango have?
Jerky rhythms with syncopation, dotted rhythms and staccato notes
What kind of melody does a tango have?
Regular phrase lengths (2 or 4 bars)
Chromatic notes (sounds jazzy)
Lyrical melodies, soaring above spiky rhythms in the accompaniment.
What is the instrumentation of a tango?
A classic tango orchestra (an orquesta tipica) is usually made up of: Violins Piano Double bass Bandoneóns
Name a famous tango piece
Adios Pampa Mia by Francisco Canaro
What are the common features of tango nuevo?
Classical, jazz and contemporary influences e.g. The use of electric guitar / jazz-influenced harmonies
