Composer

:

Astor Piazzolla

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Tango

Compose Date

:

before 1985

Average_duration

:

19:50

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

L'histoire du tango is a four-movement suite composed by the Argentine composer and bandoneon player Astor Piazzolla. The piece was written in 1986 and premiered in the same year in Bordeaux, France. The suite is a tribute to the history of tango, a popular dance and music genre that originated in the Rio de la Plata region of South America in the late 19th century. The first movement of L'histoire du tango is titled "Bordel 1900" and depicts the early days of tango, when it was played in the bordellos of Buenos Aires. The music is characterized by a slow, sensual rhythm and features the bandoneon, a type of accordion that is central to the sound of tango. The movement also includes a virtuosic violin solo that represents the improvisational nature of early tango. The second movement, "Café 1930," is set in a Parisian café in the 1930s, when tango had become a popular dance craze in Europe. The music is more upbeat and features a prominent flute solo, which represents the influence of classical music on tango during this period. The third movement, "Nightclub 1960," is set in a New York City nightclub in the 1960s, when tango had undergone a revival and was being played by jazz musicians. The music is characterized by a fast, syncopated rhythm and features a virtuosic guitar solo that represents the fusion of tango and jazz. The final movement, "Concert d'aujourd'hui," is a contemporary concert piece that showcases Piazzolla's unique style, which blends traditional tango with elements of jazz and classical music. The movement features complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as virtuosic solos for the bandoneon and other instruments. Overall, L'histoire du tango is a masterful tribute to the history of tango, showcasing the evolution of the genre from its humble beginnings in the bordellos of Buenos Aires to its status as a sophisticated concert music. The suite is a testament to Piazzolla's innovative approach to tango, which has made him one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

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