Four Tango Postcards and Tango Nuevo: Original Tangos for String Quintet
- Price $22.99
- By Benedikt Brydern
- Sheet Music
- Published by String Letter Publishing
Tango, the dance form that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the early 20th century, has been brought back to the forefront of string players’ consciousness with these two expressive compositions.
Play “Four Tango Postcards” with attitude. This snappy piece consists of four exciting movements: vivace, allegro vivo e molto ritmico, moderato espressivo, and vivo. And execute the modern-flavored “Tango Nuevo” with fun and precision. In it, you’ll engage in passionate lines and a bravura finish.
ABOUT THE MUSIC (Excerpted from the Performance Notes)
The tango is a dance form that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the early 20th century. Among the different styles are ballroom tango, Finnish tango, vintage tango, and the more recent tango nuevo, associated with Astor Piazzolla. After a period of popularity in the 1910s and ’20s, the tango eventually declined. By the 1950s, rock ’n’ roll had taken hold. But in the 1980s and ’90s, elaborate stage shows, such as Tango Forever and Tango Argentino, brought this style back with great commercial and artistic success.
“Four Tango Postcards” consist of four movements: vivace, allegro vivo e molto ritmico, moderato espressivo, and vivo.
In general, when playing in a tango ensemble, rhythmic precision is a must. Individual notes in a melodic solo line can be slightly rubato, but the rhythmic groove supporting the lead must remain stable: although the music is stylized, there could be dancers on the floor moving their feet to the rhythm.
In the first movement, m. 1, the whole ensemble establishes the feel with the cello and bass marking their eighth notes in 4/4 time in a 3 3 2 accented fashion. Second violinist and violist bounce off of that foundation nicely with their own syncopation. Starting with m. 4, the first violin takes off with a melodic solo. Depending on the attitude the player wants to project, the 16th notes (mm. 5 and 6 on beat one) could be played snappy (closer to 32nds) or loosely and a bit broader. No matter what the first chair presents, the remaining voices must remain solid and unaffected.
Listen to a sample of the original composition "Four Tango Postcards."
About "Tango Nuevo"
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of working as a violinist in Los Angeles with some great bandoneón players specializing in contemporary Argentine tango. This experience sparked a desire to compose my own composition in this more modern genre.
This particular nuevo–style tango composition started as a piano and violin duo. It has a decidedly virtuosic first-violin part and is intended for the more advanced player. As in “Four Tango Postcards,” a steady rhythm is crucial and should be executed with fun and precision. The first violinist leads throughout the beginning up to letter C, where the mood changes from a dramatic C minor to a friendlier C major. At this point, the second violinist and violist pick up the melody. As the dynamics indicate, the first violinist plays a counter line and should be slightly softer than the other two voices until m. 36, when the first violin has the lead again.
Listen to a sample of the original composition "Tango Nuevo."
—Benedikt Brydern