Café de los Maestros
Granville 7 Theatre 7
Wednesday, October 1 2008 10:00am
Outside of Argentina, tango is mostly associated with dance. But it is more than just dance music. There are vocals as well, and compositions and arrangements for groups ranging from duos to orchestras. This film explores the musical side of tango and the maestros who developed it.
The maestros are gathered together in the studio for a recording of the best of tango. All of these musicians are now in their 70s to 80s. For many of them this is a reunion with colleagues they have not played with in many years.
Several musicians are featured, interviewed, and shown with historical footage of their performances. Virginia Luque is a tango singer and actress with a bigger than life personality. Tango diva would be a more appropriate title as she still looks, acts, and dresses glamorously.
The accordion-like bandoneón is the instrument in tango that contributes hugely and distinctively to its sound. And so it is featured prominently along with its practitioners. The studio orchestra features no less than four bandonéon players.
A side trip to Montevideo, Uruguay reveals that tango is not strictly a Buenos Aires phenomenon. The candombe music of Uruguay which has its origins in the music of African slaves is also an influence on tango. Jazz has also had its influence on tango as one of the pianist maestro's love of Bill Evans is obviously evident in his composition.
The film culminates in a gala concert at the grand Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. The maestros dust off their old tuxedos and gowns to perform to an appreciative full house.
This film was probably made for Argentine audiences as there is little background explanation of tango and only the most basic of biographical information on the maestros. Regardless, the music speaks for itself. This is a fine tribute to the surviving stars of the golden age of tango.
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