Orquesta Mexicana de Tango has been a major influence of tango musicians in Mexico. Led by Cesar Olguin, all of its members are Mexican nationals, including the director, who was Argentine-born but naturalized to Mexican citizenship. The group debuted in July 2008 and, despite the difficulty of coordinating so many musicians with their other activities, Cesar has been able to have several performances each year in major venues, most notably the Nezahualcoyotl Amphitheater of the College of San Ildefonso, of the Lunario the National Auditorium and the City Theatre. They have recorded four albums — Orchestra Mexicana Tango ( 2009 ), Tango of Mexico ( 2010 ), Tango you did me wrong ( 2013 ) and Silence. We are OMT ( 2016 ). In these productions, they constantly evolved, crossing between the disciplined interpretation of themes that are old, modern and contemporary.
Their repertoire is drawn from multiple sources, and even unusual oddities, such as Tango for Piano by Igor Stravinsky and compositions by some of their members, such as Tango Third by René Torres, I Play for You by Paul Ahmad, and Eighteen Hundred and Ninety Nine by Cesar Olguin. With few modifications or additions to their original lineup, they have maintained the traditional format of orquesta tipica. Their lineup is Cesar Olguin ( bandoneon ), Clara Stern ( bandoneon ), Raul Vizzi ( bandoneon ), Citlali Arroyo ( violin ), César Solis ( violin ),, Alejandro Flores ( bandoneon & violin ), Roberto Montes ( violin ), Nadia Cano ( violin ), Viera Khovilaguina ( violin ), Frania Mayorquín ( piano ), Mario Cortés ( bass ), Pablo Ahmad ( vocals ) and Freddy Potenza ( vocals ). Their sound is a friendly combination that is the most representative of the tango genre. One of its main attractions is the fact it is the only Mexican orquesta tipica.
Entretango Quintet was formed in 2003, as a trio of students from the National School of Music — now the Faculty of Music of the UNAM. They were formed as an ensemble dedicated to playing tango as part of a school project. As time passed, some of the members left and others joined.
Tango Nuevo
Eventually, in 2011, they formed a quintet of piano, violin, guitar, bass and accordion. Accordionist Sergio Robledo was replaced by Raul Vizzi and his bandoneon. In addition, the quintet is includes Carlos Rangel ( bass ), Rodrigo Rivera ( guitar ), Carlos Matus ( piano ) and Luis Gutierrez ( violin ). They all agree that Astor Piazzolla is their primary inspiration and the reason for their interest in tango. They point that their first album, Chau Paris ( 2004 ), composed exclusively of thPiazzolla ’ s music. In March 2011, even with an accordion, they received the first place in the IV International Libertango Competition, held in Barnaul, Russia. Subsequently, they incorporated the bandoneon, and began to develop a style with its own identity. They are searching to identify an authentic Mexican flavor of tango, without losing the qualities of the traditional tango. They have most recently become interested in the bolero. Their most recent recording is entitled Entre Tangos and Boleros. It presents a selection of Mexican tangos, some important traditional pieces and original compositions by contemporary composers. The boleros arrangements adapted to tango with Freddy Potenza as singer. Entretango is one of the strongest young tango sounds in Mexico.
Tango VIP is a representative electronic vein of tango. They produce a controversial mixture that has attracted ardent discussions among the more traditional tango fans. The younger generations of tangueros are more open to experimentation and fusion. They find it in the Tango VIP group. In the few years of existence, it has successfully played in stages and festivals in a variety cities of Mexico, as well as television programs. Their performances are an eclectic concept of tango, from a modern perspective.
— 9 —
To Subscribe, Click here