Episode 10

One of the most fascinating aspects of tango is its ability to reflect the vast spectrum of human nature. Whether you are outgoing and expressive or introspective and reserved, there is a tango style that speaks to you.  

Tango music, much like people, can be broadly categorized into 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 and 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 styles. Some orquestas play with grand, energetic gestures that command attention, while others craft more delicate, intimate melodies that invite reflection. Interestingly, some orquestas even blend both tendencies within a single piece, creating a dynamic interplay between these contrasting energies.  

𝑬𝑿𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑫 𝑻𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑶: 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑷𝑼𝑳𝑺𝑬 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑫𝑨𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑭𝑳𝑶𝑶𝑹  

If there is one orquesta that embodies the essence of an extrovert, it is 𝑱𝒖𝒂𝒏 𝑫'𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒐. Often called El Rey del Compás (The King of Rhythm), his music is lively, rhythmic, and impossible to ignore. D'Arienzo’s signature style features strong, driving beats, sharp staccato phrasing, and an unmistakable energy that urges dancers onto the floor. His arrangements leave little space for hesitation—they demand movement and engagement.  

A perfect example of this is "𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒂" (1937) . This track, with its relentless pace and sharp phrasing, perfectly captures D'Arienzo’s ability to turn any tanda into a high-energy experience.  

𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑽𝑬𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑫 𝑻𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑶: 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑨𝑹𝑻 𝑶𝑭 𝑺𝑼𝑩𝑻𝑳𝑬 𝑬𝑿𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵  

On the other end of the spectrum, we find orquestas like 𝑶𝒔𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒅𝒐 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒅𝒐, whose music is characterized by elegance, refinement, and a certain dreamy introspection. Fresedo’s tangos are smoother, more melodic, and often feature softer, flowing phrasing that allows dancers to express themselves with greater nuance. His music is not about commanding attention but rather about creating a space for personal connection and subtle expression.    

A prime example of Fresedo’s introverted style is "𝑽𝒊𝒅𝒂 𝒎í𝒂" (1933, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒂𝒚). This song is intimate and romantic, drawing dancers inward rather than outward.  

𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑳𝑨𝑵𝑪𝑬: 𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑰𝑳𝑶’𝑺 𝑫𝑼𝑨𝑳 𝑵𝑨𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑬  

Few orquestas manage to bridge the gap between introversion and extroversion as seamlessly as 𝑨𝒏í𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒐. His music contains both rhythmic power and deep emotional expression, often shifting between the two within a single track. This duality makes Troilo’s recordings versatile—some are full of energy and excitement, while others are deeply introspective and poetic.  

The Troilo was master of both styles, for instance a 𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒋𝒂𝒔 𝒅𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆ó𝒏 track is a perfect example of Troilo’s dual nature.

• Introverted Sections: The introduction and certain melodic passages are deeply introspective, with long, expressive bandoneon phrases that create a melancholic, intimate atmosphere.

• Extroverted Moments: As the piece progresses, the rhythm section asserts itself more, especially during the instrumental breaks. The energy intensifies, leading to a powerful climax where the bandoneons and violins drive the music forward with urgency.

𝑾𝑯𝒀 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑺 𝑴𝑨𝑻𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑭𝑶𝑹 𝑫𝑱𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑫𝑨𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑹𝑺  

Understanding the personality of tango music helps DJs craft sets that resonate with the mood of the event. A high-energy moment in the night might call for the electrifying rhythms of extrovert style, while a more intimate, late-night tanda might be best served by the elegance and the emotional depth of introvert style. 

Tango is a mirror of our emotions, and whether you lean toward the extroverted or introverted side, there is always a melody that speaks directly to your soul.

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