Libertango
Astor Piazzolla
Alternative embedded performance: Astor Piazzolla and his Quintet — Libertango (1985). The preferred recording remains linked on YouTube.
First listen
Listen once without writing. What do you notice?
Listen closely
1 PULSEHow would you describe the strong beat?
Sentence stemThe pulse feels ___.
Vocabulary
- steady
- strong
- driving
- dance-like
2 TIMBREWhich instrument gives the piece its special sound?
Sentence stemThe ___ gives the music a ___ sound.
Vocabulary
- bandoneon
- strings
- piano
- sharp
- warm
- dramatic
3 STRUCTUREWhat happens when the main melody returns?
Sentence stemWhen the melody returns, it is ___.
Vocabulary
- louder
- softer
- fuller
- more energetic
- the same
4 RHYTHMWhich short rhythmic pattern gives the music its drive?
Sentence stemThe ___ pattern sounds ___ and keeps returning.
Vocabulary
- short
- syncopated
- repeated
- driving
- dance-like
5 DYNAMICSHow does the ensemble use stronger and gentler sections?
Sentence stemThe music becomes ___ when ___.
Vocabulary
- stronger
- gentler
- louder
- softer
- more instruments join
How does this piece make you feel?
There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?
calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused
Music through time
1974 · Argentine tango nuevo
- Medieval500–1400
- Baroque1600–1750
- Classical1750–1820
- Romantic1820–1900
- 20th century1900–2000
- Contemporary2000–present