(7) Variations
I’m a long time student and teacher of tango guitar. This series of articles is for tango guitar students and guitarists interested in pursuing tango. Contact me for more information on lessons and workshops. This month we’re looking at variations, one of the classic elements of traditional instrumental tango arrangements. Variations, usually made up of 16th notes, are a staple of the tango orchestra sound and are principally played by the bandoneon, (although they can be pla
Che bandoneón
Making sense of the lyrics... A few days ago (July 11th) we celebrated the birthday of Aníbal Troilo, possibly the most ‘tango’ of all tango musicians. It’s hard to talk about Troilo’s compositions without mentioning the lyricist Homero Manzi, Troilo’s great friend and confidant, and one of tango’s most excellent poets. Manzi had a the ability to conjour up vivid images, like his descriptions of neighborhoods and coming of age (‘Sur,’ ‘Barrio de tango,’) and he was also a ma
