Hello fellow classmates, and teacher, today's musical journey stops off in a pretty rad place: South America, in particular Argentina. Now let's cha cha slide our way into this blog.
I'm a bit of an instrument geek and really wanted to know what type of instruments Argentinians use and I found out some pretty cool stuff. In more traditional folklore Argentiatians would guitar, violin, and drums, these are instruments pretty common to most Americans. They also use indigenous Andean instruments like the Quena (wooden flute) and Charango (small banjo). But the coolest instrument of them all is called the Bandoneon. The Bandoneon basically a miniaturized accordion with a bit of Spanish flavor. (the flavor being it sounds different than an accordion). This instrument is particularly used in Tango music, because of it's rich, gloomy sound. It is also known to be one of the hardest instruments to play. But enough of me yapping. Below you will see an interview about the Bandoneon, including when it was made, what it sounds like, and how it differs from an accordion. Enjoy :)
The dances of Argentina are so captivating to me. I don't know about you guys but when I watch tango dancers or dancers in general I get lost in their quick, smooth movements and the color of outfits. It's all so stunning. Most people know of the all famous Tango dancing, but did you know there are ten other dancing styles Argentia has? Yes, ten guys, let me run them by you ( or at least a few of them). We have the Carnavalito that is commonly used for religious festivities and has multiple partners arranged into groups in rows dancing to very cheerful and quick music. There's the Chacarera which is a type of folk dance as well as an internationally accepted version of the modern tango, where the female performers standstill (ish) while the males circle them. And the last one I'd like to mention is called Chamamé. Its a traditional folk dance that is a mix of native, Spanish, German, and Polish influences. This dance is accompanied by Spanish guitar, violin, and accordion. If you'd like to learn about the other seven click here.
I got two words for you guys: Tango. Dresses. I can't be the only noticing the Argentia really dress it up when they step out on that dance floor. From the colors, the flowers, the style, to be everything is so gorgeous. In 1913, the first "proper" tango dresses were made and promoted. The dresses were light, colorful, and had a transparent bodice and shirt were made shorter (above the knee). Unfortunately, Tango arrived in a time of Victorian Fashion, so corsets were a big thing. But as more women learned the tango they gladly stopped wearing a corset so they could freely move while they dance. (though so women weren't so keen on letting the corsets go so worse a slimmed-down version of a corset while they danced). Due to the Tango outfits and many getting rid of the corset, tango fashion was bashed for being too revealing, vulgar, and indecent. But as years went out Tango fashion changed and so did the society that surrounds it. Now, women could choose very short dresses and skirts and show as much boobage or backage they want. Down below you'll see comparisons of Tango dresses from the 1900's and Present day.
And that stops our tasteful musical journey
til next time classmates and teach
Peace.
Works cited:
http://www.dancefacts.net/tango/tango-dresses/
http://www.dancefacts.net/tango/argentine-dances/
http://www.dancefacts.net/tango/argentina-music/#:~:text=Argentine%20Folk%20Music,-Argentine%20folk%20music&text=Traditional%20folklore%20instruments%20are%20guitar,and%20small%20banjo%20%E2%80%9Ccharango%E2%80%9D.
I always enjoy reading your blogs! I loved how you incorporated music and fashion together. I have always been fascinated with flow dresses that move when you do a spin. I also enjoyed watching the different dances and I will certainly be checking out the other dance styles.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I love about your blogs are that they are unique, and it digs deep into what you find interesting and what you want to know more about. The Bandoneon definitely sounds like it has "Spanish Flavor," I like the words you used for it. I also enjoyed that you included clothing and fashion into your blog, I never really thought about how Argentinians dress up, but what I found interesting is how the original tango dress differs from the more modern tango dress now.
ReplyDeleteThe Quena is such an interesting instrument, I love it. The sound is very disjunctive but it doesn't sound jarring. The tango is a beautiful dance, I took a trip to Costa Rica and we took a tango class from so locals there and they make it look so effortless and beautiful and all of us looked so uncoordinated.
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