Classically, tango is played by a typical orchestra or sextet and acknowledges the bandoneon as one of the essential instruments.
It has been said that “bandoneon and tango are the same thing.” Of German origin, it was adopted by tango musicians at the beginning of the 20th century to replace the initial presence of the flute and complete the unmistakable sound of tango. Cátulo Castillo attributes to it “… the definitive sound of lament that tango has, its inclination to moan, to grumble.”
The bandoneon imposed on tango its definitive complex form, integrating melody into a simultaneously rhythmic and harmonic base.
This melodic-rhythmic-harmonic complexity was later strengthened with the incorporation of the piano, replacing the guitar, and the development of a particularly tango-like execution technique, founded on rhythmic percussion. Thus, the instrumental base of tango is defined as a quartet of bandoneon, piano, violin, and double bass (there may be a guitar).
The typical tango orchestra is formed around these instruments, originally invented by Julio de Caro in the twenties and mainly consolidated in the form of a sextet with the following integration: piano, two bandoneons, two violins, and double bass. The tango orchestra, properly speaking, follows the same scheme, expanding the group of bandoneons and adding violas and cellos to the string group.
Orquesta Tipica (Typical Orchestra)
It’s the typical musical formation of tango: piano, double bass, a line of bandoneons, a line of violins, and, in some cases, the viola or cello. In the typical orchestra, all instruments always play at the same time, this is because originally the typical orchestra played for dancing, and this is perceived both in the repertoire and in the composition and execution.
When talking about tango, the first instrument and sound that is identified is that of the bandoneon, often considered as the founding factor of the genre. Although it is representative par excellence and was known in our country since the second half of the 19th century, its popularity as a distinctive instrument of tango would only be consolidated with the dissemination of the Typical Orchestra.
In its beginnings, the groups were trios formed by violin-guitar-flute, violin-guitar-piano, or the latter combination with bandoneon. The soloist character was held by the piano, guitar, and bandoneon, while the flute and violin needed to be combined in order to be suitable for tango.
The transition from these formations to the quartet is to some extent the strong bond and reciprocal identification established between the bandoneon and tango; those who play it tend to be directors of the quartets. From 1910, quartets became the seed of the first typical orchestras.
The Bandoneon and the Tango
The bandoneon is a musical instrument that emerged from the evolution of the concertina, invented by Carl Friedrich Uhlig (1789-1874) in 1839, inspired by the accordion and conceived as a portable version of the harmonium (a type of pump organ). Carl Friedrich Uhlig, inventor of the concertina, predecessor of the bandoneon, main instrument of Argentine tango. The bandoneon is part of the category of free-reed instruments operated by bellows, sometimes called squeezeboxes. Sound is produced when air flows through the vibrating reeds mounted on a frame.
The name comes from Heinrich Band, a musician, who in 1846 began selling an improved version of the concertina he designed, with 28 buttons (producing 56 tones). Later he added more buttons, reaching a total of 65. It is worth noting that Heinrich Band never patented the bandoneon, as he saw his instrument as an improvement of the concertina. It got its name from Band’s customers calling it ‘Band-o-nion’.
The first mentioned bandoneonist in Buenos Aires was Tomas Moore, “The Englishman,” who brought this instrument to Argentina in 1870.Domingo Santa Cruz (author of the famous tango “Unión Cívica”) played the concertina until Tomas Moore introduced his bandoneon. These bandoneons were a primitive version of the instrument with 32 tones.
After 1880, when Tango began to develop its definitive form, the most recognized bandoneonists were:The bandoneon, with its “legato,” with its low notes, favored by its musicians, who constantly insisted that their German producers add low notes, did not seem to belong to Tango.But, in fact, it gave Tango what it lacked until the integration of the bandoneon, and the bandoneon found the music for which it seemed to have been created.
The Piano and the Tango
The piano, with its versatility and ability to create complex harmonies, also holds a prominent place in the world of tango. From joyful and virtuosic rhythms to melancholic melodies, the piano provides a solid foundation for other instruments and voices to join in a musical dance full of feeling.
The piano is a versatile and sophisticated musical instrument that has been a key element in tango music for decades. Its warm and resonant sound, combined with its ability to create complex harmonies, makes it the perfect companion for the sensuality and passion of tango.
The piano plays a fundamental role in the harmonic structure of tango. Through its chords and progressions, it provides support and enriches the melodies and rhythms of the dance. From the first measures to the passionate endings, the piano guides and accompanies musicians and dancers, creating an atmosphere full of emotion and depth.
Tango pianists are true masters in the art of improvising and adapting their playing to the energy and interpretation of other musicians. As they progress through the piece, they can add embellishments, variations, and syncopated rhythms, adding a personal and unique touch to each performance.
The piano also shines in solos, allowing the pianist to unleash their technique and creativity to the fullest. With their hands on the keyboard, the musician can recreate the characteristic sounds of the bandoneon and the guitar, adding a virtuosic touch that captivates listeners.
In the world of tango, the piano not only accompanies the music but also becomes a voice in its own right. Through its powerful sound and expression, it conveys the deepest and darkest feelings of the stories that tango tells. It is the thread that connects each note, each beat, creating an unforgettable journey for those who dance and listen to it.
The Guitar and the Tango
And last, but not least, we find the guitar. With its warm and enveloping sound, the guitar is an essential companion in tango. From delicate arpeggios to energetic strums, the guitar adds an additional layer of emotion to the music, creating a magical and captivating atmosphere for all tango lovers.
The guitar is a musical instrument that has left its mark on the world of tango. With its versatility and unique brilliance, it becomes the perfect companion to express the emotions so characteristic of this genre. In addition to its elegant appearance, the guitar has a distinctive sound that adorns tango melodies and gives them that passionate and nostalgic touch.
In tango, the guitar holds a prominent place in the typical orchestra. Its nylon or steel strings and its resonant body allow it to create a wide range of nuances and arrangements. From energetic strums to melancholic arpeggios, the guitar adapts to the needs of each composition, making it an essential instrument in tango music.
Tango guitarists are masters in the art of interpreting this genre. With their skilled hands and mastery of specific style techniques, they manage to convey the passion and feeling that characterize tango. Their skill in fingerpicking and their ability to improvise further enrich the performances, making the guitar a central element in the tango universe.
The tango guitar has been influenced by different styles and cultures over the years. From its roots in African candombe to the European melodies that arrived in Argentina in the 19th century, the guitar has evolved and adapted to the needs of tango. That is why each interpretation of the guitar in tango is unique and reflects the rich history and diversity of this genre.
In tango, the guitar not only plays a melodic role but also a rhythmic one. Its strums and thumb strokes mark the beat and maintain the musical structure of tango. It is in the combination of rhythm and melody where the guitar achieves its magic, transporting listeners to the streets of Buenos Aires and immersing them in the very essence of tango.
With its versatility and dazzling presence, the guitar has become an emblem of tango. Its nostalgia and passion intertwine in each chord, creating a unique aura that envelops those who listen. From the first beats of a milonga to the last chords of a criollo waltz, the guitar is the inseparable companion of tango, bringing its essence to every corner of the world. With its unmistakable stamp, the guitar continues to conquer hearts and perpetuate the magic of tango in every chord.
The Violin and the Tango
The violin is one of the most emblematic and captivating instruments of tango. Its sweet and melancholic sound is capable of conveying intense emotions and transporting listeners to the streets of Buenos Aires. From its beginnings in the marginalized neighborhoods of the city, tango has found in the violin an ideal companion to express its deepest feelings.
The violin brings a great dose of sensuality and passion to tango. With its exquisite tone and its ability to express both joy and sadness, this instrument becomes the soul of tango music. Its presence in tango orchestras is fundamental, adding a distinctive touch and enriching compositions with its unmistakable notes.
Tango emerged in the late 19th century in the popular neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Influenced by African, European, and Creole music, this genre is characterized by its marked rhythm and its lyrics that speak of love, nostalgia, and heartbreak. The violin became one of the leading instruments of tango alongside the bandoneon, guitar, and piano, contributing to its characteristic urban and nostalgic sound.
The skill and ability of tango violinists are impressive. Their way of playing the instrument, with passion and delicacy, creates a unique connection with the music and the audience. Violin solos in tango are emotional and powerful moments, capable of conveying all the intensity and tradition of this musical genre.
The double bass
The double bass came to tango out of a need to strengthen the rhythm and cover the low notes of harmonization. This instrument, with the deepest sound among the stringed instruments, will become of great rhythmic importance in the future of tango and the foundation of all the low tones of musical ensembles. It helps or frees the piano from the rhythmic function. We can say that the double bass in tango has two functions: covering the low notes of harmonization and underpinning the rhythm. Musical coordination is key to the development of new harmonic ideas: piano bridges, variations of the bandoneons, counterpoints of the violins, and the enveloping rhythm of the double bass. There are no improvisations like in jazz. Musical coordination must necessarily be structured and written in each score of each instrument to achieve a collective quality result.
In this musical process, each instrument (bandoneon, violin, cello, piano) has generated schools of interpretation in constant evolution. This has also happened with the double bass, albeit at a slower pace
