The instrumentation of the typical tango orchestra has been known for about a century — bandoneon , piano , violin , double bass , and various additions , such as a cello or viola . Some orchestras include some not so conventional instruments for traditional sound , such as drums , flute , trumpet , clarinet , vibraphone and others .
Beyond the orquesta typica , the guitar has played a role especially as a companion for the human voice . It highlights both the vocal interpretation of the soloist , and works well in both small groups and large orchestras . Accordions have been used since the beginning . Paralleling the bandoneon , and sometimes supplanting it at various stages in history .
Like any cultural and artistic phenomenon , it expands in a multitude of styles , flavors , and textures . To a greater or lesser extent , tango music makes important references to ordained traditional Argentine musicians . So , in Mexico the correlation between the traditional and the innovative often leads to merging of the two tendencies in a very strange area where originality is achieved with a revival of tradition .
This internal stress between the traditional and the experimental is a circumstance to which is met by all the musicians . But because the tango relies on memory of the past , tango remains retrospective , even when it is prospective , evolutionary or futuristic . If not , something seems to be wrong . There is a characteristic that makes a tango , a tango . It is as difficult to define as the concept of a word . But , it is perceptible . Guitarist Cesar Lara calls it texture .
A frequent complaint of tango musicians is that they are obliged to play same way , in the same tempo , and remain in the comfort zone . Since 2000 , this gave way to an obvious change of generations .
Violentango México
The bandoneon -an instrument of a complex twang and the ultimate tango symbol- is by far the more interesting element . Our country is fortunate to have passionate bandoneon , musicians and collectors . Although small in number , there are , at present , over twenty bandoneonists . Music students are frequently introduced to the bandoneon in tango sets where it replaces the accordion .
In Mexico , both bellows instruments are played . together in a balance that favors the bandoneon , for tango music . The vast majority of bandoneonists consider Astor Piazzolla as their inspiration and motivation , not only as a hobby , but in their careers . Tango music in Mexico takes on the particular flavor of the culture in which it is performed .
In 2000 , young people began to turn to tango with serious intentions . It was no coincidence . The arrival of the new millennium brought worldwide renewal of tango music . Many experts consider the present as the second golden age of tango . The proliferation of tango music and musicians has produced large quantities of high quality music . Perhaps , the biggest difference between now and the 40s is the tango does not attract the large crowds that it did in the 40s .
Tango music is presented in many different venues — in forums , in theaters , at festivals and milongas . It is played by many very qualified groups . Some of them carry forward the history of tango . Others thrust forward with youthful energy and bring a vertigo from this modern era .
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