Composer

:

Elena Kats-Chernin

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

1:56

'Slicked Back Tango' is a contemporary classical piece composed by Elena Kats-Chernin for violin and piano. The piece was composed in 1994 and premiered in the same year. It is a single movement work that lasts for approximately 5 minutes. The piece is characterized by its lively and rhythmic tango style, which is evident from the very beginning of the piece. The violin and piano take turns in playing the main melody, with the violin often playing fast and virtuosic runs while the piano provides a steady accompaniment. The tango rhythm is emphasized throughout the piece, with the piano playing syncopated chords and the violin playing off-beat accents. One of the most distinctive features of 'Slicked Back Tango' is its use of extended techniques on the violin. The violinist is required to play pizzicato (plucking the strings) and col legno (striking the strings with the wood of the bow) in addition to the usual bowing techniques. These techniques add a percussive element to the piece and contribute to its overall rhythmic drive. The piece is also notable for its use of tonality. While it is primarily in a minor key, there are frequent shifts to major and other tonalities, giving the piece a sense of unpredictability and playfulness. Overall, 'Slicked Back Tango' is a lively and energetic piece that showcases Kats-Chernin's skill as a composer. Its combination of tango rhythms, extended techniques, and tonal shifts make it a unique and engaging work for violin and piano.

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