Argentine Tango Music, Rhythm and Instruments
Every dance has its own unique music and Argentine Tango is no exception. Its impossible to master the Argentine Tango dance without developing a feel for its music.
In the early years of argentine tango’s popularity in Argentina bands played with a clear, unchanging beat. By the 1940’s, (which was considered the “Golden Age” of tango), bands were playing much more complex music. For example, bands would begin and end sections of music by changing loudness or tempo.
Argentine Tango is a music style in 2/4 or 4/4 time that originated with the people of Argentina and Uruguay who emigrated there from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These people were known as the “Rioplatenses”.
Argentine Tango music is traditionally played with a solo guitar, guitar duo, or an ensemble, known as the orquesta típica, which also includes at least two violins, a flute, a piano, a double bass, and at least two bandoneóns. Guitars and a clarinet may also join the ensemble. Argentine Tango can be just instrumental or can include a vocalist.
