The Golden Age of Tango saw 'orquestas típicas' professionalize and move tango from brothels to cafés and dance halls, making it acceptable to all social strata.
Historical Context
The Argentine Tango was born in Buenos Aires around 1880, a city whose population grew tenfold in 50 years due to European immigration, leading to a vibrant cultural exchange in its brothels and slums.
Performer Biography
Cuarteto SolTango's bandoneon player, Norwegian Andreas Rokseth, graduated as the best bandoneonist in the history of Codarts University Rotterdam and has thrilled Argentine audiences.
Interpretation
This album aims to transport the listener into the atmosphere of a traditional 'milonga' (tango soirée), structured with 'tandas' (blocks of three songs) separated by 'cortinas' (short pieces of a different genre).
Recording & Production
The album title and opening number, 'Sin Palabras', meaning 'without words', reflects Cuarteto SolTango's approach of playing almost exclusively instrumental arrangements where the melody moves between instruments.
Cultural Impact
Tango, initially considered shocking in Europe due to its 'lewd heritage', became widely accepted after European dancers developed a modified version with less body contact, leading to a 'tango fever' in cities like Paris, London, and Berlin.
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