Tango
Tango is a type of dance that is usually very sensuous. It originated in the 1880's in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The music is usually played by a sextet which includes a piano, violins, a double bass and bandoneons.
Above is a bandoneon
Tango music usually has four beats in a bar, but it can vary to two beats in a bar (four is more common). The rhythm is also usually syncopated, meaning notes can be played off the main beat. Also the notes can sometimes have accents to accentuate the syncopated rhythm. As mentioned above, the music is quite sensuous, therefore it is sometimes accompanied with evocative lyrics or melodies.
Some famous composers of tango music are Roberto Firpo, Edgardo Donato, Carlos Di Sarli etc...
The tango dance can have a variation in pace but it usually goes along with the rhythm of the music. The dance is usually between a pair (a boy and a girl). If you watch tango dances, you'll notice the dance steps are very smooth and sudden changes in movement occur quite often. It is an emotionally moving dance. To match the dance, the music includes some performance directions such as staccato (detached notes), legato (smooth notes), glissandi (slides) and many more.
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