Ends And Beginnings: A Cycle of Symphonic Tango Songs
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Date
2018-04-10
Authors
Bradley, Damien
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This piece is an exploration of tango music. Having played, arranged, composed, and performed this music since 2011, I consider myself steeped and well-versed in the culture and musical language of tango, and this piece is an attempt to synthesize this rich body of music with my own personal style. This work is firmly grounded in the aesthetic of tango dance music from the “Golden Age” of tango in Argentina (1935-1955) and post-Golden Age music. The intent is to create music that is immediately accessible to a layperson, recognizable as tango to someone conversant in the genre, yet distinctively new and part of the evolution of this music.
The instrumentation is a cross between a chamber orchestra and a tango ensemble. Strings, flutes, clarinets, F horns, and percussion are joined by a rhythm section of piano, classical guitar, and two bandoneons (tango concertina). The lone upright bass is considered part of the rhythm section as well, rather than as part of the strings.
It comprises five movements and runs approximately 25 minutes.
Description
Keywords
Argentine, Bandoneon, Crossover, Dance, Tango, Uruguayan