Music: Music and Dance

What aspects of music is most important to dance?

Tempo, time signature and rhythm.

When and where was the tango originated?

Originated in Argentina in the 19th century.

Which influences does the tango have?

Contains African rhythms and European immigrant music (Spain)

When did the tango start to decline and who revived it?

Decline started in 1960 due to new music styles, such as jazz.

Astor Piazzolla incorporated jazz and classical music, creating “nuevo tango”

What instrumentation is usually used in tango?

• Core instruments include the bandoneón (a type of concertina), violin, piano, and double bass.

• Larger ensembles might include cellos, guitars, or clarinets.

What rhythm is usually used in tango?

• The rhythm is marked and syncopated, often emphasizing the 2/4 or 4/4 time signature.

• Common rhythmic patterns include habanera-inspired rhythms and strong accents on offbeats.

What melodies is usually used in tango?

• Tango melodies are passionate and dramatic, often featuring expressive phrasing.

• The bandoneón plays a central role in melodic development.

What harmonies is usually used in tango?

• Harmonies are rich and occasionally chromatic, often shifting between minor and major keys to evoke different emotions.

• Piazzolla’s nuevo tango introduced more dissonant and modern harmonies.

What structure is usually used in tango?

• Traditional tangos follow a ternary form (ABA) or a theme and variation structure.

• Sections are clearly delineated, with contrasting moods or dynamics.

What expression is usually used in tango? What timing emphasises this?

• Tango music is highly expressive, reflecting the emotions of love, longing, and despair.

• Rubato (flexible timing) is frequently used to enhance its emotive quality.

What is syncopation?

the normal accent of a rhythm is shifted, stressing the normally weak or unaccented beats instead of the strong ones. 

“off beat”

What is the rhythmic foundation of salsa?

Clave: The heart of salsa, a distinctive 2-3 or 3-2 rhythmic pattern that provides a foundational beat for all other instruments. 

Syncopation

What is the instrumentation of salsa?

Percussion: Essential for the rhythmic drive, including timbales for accents, congas for steady beats, and bongos for high-pitched embellishments. 

Brass: Trumpets and trombones add melodic, harmonic, and improvisational layers to the sound. 

Piano: Plays rhythmic "montuno" patterns, creating a bridge between the rhythm and melody, and also solos. 

Bass: Provides the fundamental rhythmic and harmonic anchor for the ensemble.

What is the musical structure of salsa? What Section do they have?

Standard Structure: Songs often feature an introduction, verses, a lively verse-chorus section (montuno), and instrumental breaks. 

Montuno Section: A call-and-response format with a chorus and improvisational solos, often showcasing the brass section or a lead vocalist. 

Mambo and Moña: Specific sections sometimes found, with the mambo highlighting the brass and the moña building tension with repeated riffs.

What is the style and influence of salsa?

Fusion: Salsa is a dynamic fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Cuban son and mambo, jazz, and other Latin American musical traditions. 

Tempo & Mood: Known for its energetic, upbeat tempo and a festive, joyful mood, often accompanied by lively, catchy melodies.

What is the instrumentation and production of EDM?

Electronic Instruments: Synthesizers, drum machines, and other digital gear replace traditional instruments to create a wide variety of sounds and textures. 

Digital Production: Production techniques are digital, allowing for complex sound layering and manipulation. 

Sampling: Samples from previous recordings are often incorporated into tracks.

What is the rhythm and structure of EDM?

Beats Per Minute (BPM): EDM tracks typically have a high, energetic tempo, with BPMs ranging from 120 to 160.

"Four-on-the-Floor" Rhythm: Many EDM styles use a consistent bass drum hit on every beat of a measure, creating an infectious, repetitive groove.

Basslines: Heavy, powerful basslines provide the foundation and drive the track's rhythm and impact.

Repetition and Variation: Melodies and harmonic structures are often repeated but with slight variations to create tension and release.

What is the sound and form of EDM?

Build-ups and Drops: EDM tracks frequently feature a build-up of sound and energy that culminates in a "drop," an explosive and impactful section of the song. 

Immersive Auditory Experience: The music is designed to be loud, full, and to create an immersive listening experience for large crowds. 

Vocal and Instrumental Elements: While EDM can be instrumental, it also incorporates vocals, and the overall sound can range from high-energy to more meditative.

What is the context and performance of EDM?

Dance-Focused: The music is primarily created for dancing at nightclubs, festivals, and raves.

DJ Culture: DJs play a crucial role in EDM by mixing tracks seamlessly to create a continuous musical flow.