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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