[Tango-L] Music preferences/Social-ethical behaviours

[johnofbristol@tiscali.co.uk]

Both these threads are interesting, illustrating as they do the 
differences between Argentine and European (and possibly US) customs. 
Here it would be considered rude to ignore your partner's friends, or 
your friend's partner. It may be something to do with the ballroom 
tradition that everyone present must do their bit to ensure that the 
event is a success: men must not allow women to be wallflowers, etc. 
>From what I have read, the Argentines have no such scruples. 

Nobody in Europe seems to be worried about dancing to a vocalist's sad 
song. Irving Berlin wrote "When I Lost You" when his wife died in 1912 
and people have been happily waltzing to the heartfelt words ever 
since. At the Tangomarkkinat this year, possibly the most miserable 
tango of all time was launched: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=WiRYhUNptIg&playnext=1&videos=VTMH8DbncU0

"Now the door of my miserable cell slams shut behind me, even though 
only yesterday tender moments were part of my life. When my days were 
condemned to this miserable prison, these dreams were sentenced to 
suffering in eternal shackles. Now I will sleep and wake in floods of 
tears. I just count the bricks and wonder what our wedding would have 
been like. Cake, champagne, dancing and kisses? Now I will taste only 
bread and water . . . "

I won't go on as I don't want to ruin your entire day. That particular 
Youtube clip was from a concert, but at this was a new tango it got 
quite a lot of exposure (nearly all live) at the public dances, and 
people happily danced and flirted all through it. 

None of this is intended as a criticism of the Argentines or of 
Argentinophiles. It is just that it is interesting to note the 
differences between the two cultures; and to wonder if northerners will 
ever truly get Argentine tango.

As for the "sniffing and whiny" singers - I suspect this is a 
reference the thin nasal tones of some old-time Argentine singers, 
which a lot of people (including me) don't like. I don't like it when 
the French do it either. A full resonant rounded voice is much more to 
my liking, and added emotion only improves it. I once saw Saija Varjus 
flee the stage in tears after treating the audience to a heartfelt 
version of "I'm a Fool to Want You".

John Ward
Bristol, UK