Tango (Stravinsky)

This article is about Stravinsky's Tango. For Argentinian music style, see Tango (music).

Tango is a 1940 piece originally composed for piano by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. It is one of Stravinsky's most recorded works for piano.

Composition

After settling in Hollywood, Stravinsky was unable to bring the money he earned from his royalties of his works in Europe to America, due to copyright issues and ambiguities. When he found himself with financial difficulties, he decided to write new compositions entirely in America in order to exploit them, with the exclusive intention of making money. Tango, which was the first work entirely written in America, is one of those works.[1]

Analysis

One of the most rhythmically regular works by Stravinsky, the Tango consists of 4/4 bars in four-bar phrase structures.[2] However, this Tango does not follow the rhythmic logic used in Argentinian Tangos: syncopation is almost never used on the last beat of every bar, but it is used on the second instead. This provides the work with a distinctive atmosphere. Unlike some of Stravinsky's post-European works, the Tango is a tonal work. It is in the key of D minor, and modulates to G minor in the central trio-like section.[1]

Arrangements

Stravinsky's Tango has been rewritten and rearranged many times either by Stravinsky himself, by fellow musicians or by other musicians, especially after his death. Here is a list of arrangements in which Stravinsky took part:

References

  1. 1 2 Lindemann Malone, Andrew (2013). "Igor Stravinsky - Tango, for piano". Rovi Corporation, Ltd. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Leonard, James (2013). "Igor Stravinsky - Tango, for chamber orchestra". Rovi Corporation, Ltd. Retrieved February 25, 2013.
  3. Marwood, Anthony; Adès, Thomas (2010). "Stravinsky's Works for Violin and Piano". Haymarket Media Group. Retrieved February 25, 2013.

See also

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