The History of the Tango!

Luther is searching for an Ethnomusicology professor right now and they had top candidates come in and as a part of their interview process the candidates gave lectures that were open to music students.  I attended one of the candidate's(whose name I have forgotten) lectures on the history and evolution of the music of the Tango.  Tango originated in Argentina in the lower-class areas.  It was considered to be unacceptable for middle-class society to participate in Tango until it became popular in Paris because of the World's Fair held there.  The Tango became popular throughout the whole of Argentina and has become a very important part of Argentinian culture.  The lecturer also explained how the music has stylistically changed.  Tango music has always used a very unique instrument called a bandoneón, which is similar in appearance and sound, to an accordion.  Instruments used to accompany the bandoneón have varied throughout the history of Tango.  Guitar was used originally, but as the Tango grew and became more popular and with the influence of France, it began to use the piano and more stringed instruments that played more complicated arrangements.  Today, we see examples of what might be called punk tango.  Young people who have been influenced by punk music and have rediscovered Tango music, have tried to join the two together into a very entertaining performance.