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JUAN D'ARIENZO's STYLE

 

Learn to hear and understand every musical detail

of the most energetic and festive style in tango history.

 

Buy "Juan D'Arienzo's Style" course

Listen. Understand. Enjoy. Improve.  

Understanding what we hear to makes us enjoy more, makes us dance better, makes us play better and makes us teach better. Aimed at dancers, musicians and aficionados alike, with this course anyone can learn to recognize and enjoy the wonderful style of Juan D'Arienzo in its full dimension.  

No previous musical knowledge is necessary.

Whether you are a milonguero, choreographer, musician or just curious about tango, this course will transform your listening to a place of understanding that you had not imagined possible.

This course on Juan D'Arienzo is a journey to the heart of one of the most loved and revered orchestras by tangueros and tangueras around the world, teaching in a didactic, clear and entertaining way all the musical and stylistic elements that define his style. 

The courses: a life's work 

Each course takes a detailed look at all of the elements that define a given style, progressing from general to specific and illustrating the concepts with hundreds of audio excerpts from the discographies of the orchestras. 

Each element is illustrated with at least 3 or 4 different examples, making it easier to hear and creating various opportunities for discovering and understanding every detail. 

Additionally, a group of musicians with expertise in each style of tango offers a generous number of examples, all filmed in a recording studio. They give their perspective, share their experiences, and show you how to play each example with a level of detail previously unseen.

These courses contain everything I have learned over more than three decades of obsessively listening to tango, collecting records, playing tango professionally on the double bass, producing records by great artists of the genre, teaching all over the world and sharing countless experiences with the very protagonists of the orchestras we admire so much. I will always be grateful to the great masters who shared all their knowledge with me with the greatest humility and generosity imaginable. This work is also a tribute to all of them.

Here is everything, a life's work, explained and ordered in a format that leaves no one out. The path is very friendly and full of opportunities to discover all that defines the styles from a loving and celebratory place.

 

From neophyte to expert:

a possible and fun journey 

Throughout this course, you will learn to listen to and understand in detail the powerful and electrifying musical mechanism of D'Arienzo's orchestra and its stylistic development over the years.

This is a new way of listening which will change the way you dance, play, teach and share tango with others. 

Among other things, you’ll learn:

  • to identify the different stages of D'Arienzo's orchestra. 
  • recognize the different rhythmic marking models used by D'Arienzo and all their variations without needing prior musical knowledge.

  • understand the festive logic and the construction of the orchestra's sound.

  • listen to the impact of the double bass's role in the orchestra.

  • discover the extraordinary contribution of the piano in its multiple roles.

  • listen to and understand all the D'Arienzo's style effects in detail.

  • to differentiate between "musical" and "stylistic" concepts.

  • learn about the different rhythmic tools and the various functions of each instrument.

  • recognize the different treatments of melody and the textures that are generated.

  • to establish the role and importance of each section in the orchestra in a clear and simple way.

  • enjoy the personality of the different pianists of the style.

  • earn how the most unique violin solos in tango history are played.

  • to call things by their name. 

 

 

JUAN D'ARIENZO'S STYLE:

an infallible  program* 

 

MODULE 1

 

General Description of the Style

  • Juan D'Arienzo: What his figure represents and his impact and legacy in the history of tango.
  • A true popular artist: Why D'Arienzo is the great turning point of danceable tango and the fundamental starting point towards the "Golden Age".
  • Musical and stylistic: When the difficult sounds easy.
  • Expansive wave: The impact of his style and sound on other orchestras.

 

MODULE 2

The 4 Great Eras of D'Arienzo

  • The first orchestra: Rhythm, nerve, strength, and character.
  • The orchestra of the '40s: New formation, great soloists, and a more refined sound.
  • The orchestra of the '50s: A return to roots, explosion, and lunfardo repertoire.
  • The orchestra of the '60s: Change of era, moderation, and stereo sound.

 

MODULE 3

Tempo and Marcato in 4

  • Fixed and perfect tempo: When the metronome is redundant.
  • Marcato in 4: Accents and variations in the articulation of the bass line.
  • The double bass in D'Arienzo: Types of pizzicato and the most representative patterns.
  • Marcato without the piano: Function, texture, and endless synchronization.
  • Accentuation on weak beats: A resource as simple as effective.
  • The green note: The countryside is present in the marcato of the "Rey del Compás".
  • Marcato in 2: Just right and necessary.

 

MODULE 4 

Syncopations

  • Syncopations: A tierra or anticipated? The importance of the second eighth note and the different variants over the years.
  • Successive syncopations: When the context calls for doubling down
  • Stop time: An imperceptible yet necessary pause.
  • Exceptions: Every rule has its exception.

 

MODULE 5

  • Cantabile Tuttis: Closed phrasing and "force effect". All bets on rhythm.
  • Messy Tuttis: When the error is intentional, and what's ugly is beautiful.
  • The rhythmic tutti: Equal eighth notes and the use of the double bass.
  • "House texture": A sound with its own signature.
  • Dynamics and direction: The conceptual clarity of the great conductor.

 

MODULE 6

Solis

  • Violin soli: Between the generic and the reference to the sextets of the '20s.
  • High violins: A fun pattern that adds personality to the style.
  • Bandoneón soli: Strength and rhythmic expression at the top of the Olympic podium.
  • Octave play and sixteenth-note ascent: The secret details.
  • Bandoneón variations: Skill, articulation, and variety in service of a marathon logic.
  • Accents and rhythmic variations: When the detail shapes the whole.

 

MODULE 7

Piano solos

  • Octaves in the high register: The great technical challenge.
  • Repeated notes: A nod to rhythm and the dancer.
  • Little formula: Explosion and peace.
  • His most prominent soloists: Rodolfo Biagi, Juan Polito, and Fulvio Salamanca.

 

MODULE 8

Violin solos

  • The cow: A unique effect in universal music with pure vibrato on the G string.
  • Little formula: The cow after the abrupt cut.
  • The cow as texture: A color that defines everything.
  • "Normal" solos: The before of the cow by Domingo Mancuso.

 

MODULE 9

Bandoneón solos

  • Héctor Varela: Better little and good than much and bad. Precision and nerve on the edge of variation.

 

MODULE 10

  • Piano comments, embellishments, and fills: The omnipresent piano.
  • Little bells, accents, drags, and patterns throughout the catalog.
  • Endless triplets: The secret weapon to break with the squareness of it all.
  • Four little formulas: Sung tangos and their secret patterns.

 

MODULE 11

  • Beginnings: The 5 most representative patterns of the orchestra.
  • Endings: The unmistakable effectiveness of "get it done and over with.".

 

MODULE 12

  • Measure by measure: A complete tango graphically analyzed in real-time. Three layers of information explained second by second, measure by measure.

 

MODULE 13

  • Final Comment: Reflection and thanks.

 

*Some of these contents are not included in the Pocket version of the course. 

Buy "Juan D'Arienzo's Style" course

Exclusive bonuses

This course includes exclusive bonus material for The Essential Styles of Tango members.

Among other things this course includes:

  • Recommended bibliography
  • Glossary
  • Exclusive playlists which accompany each module
  • Interactive games
  • Exclusive video of musical analysis in three layers (in real time, second by second)
  • Community forum for commenting, asking questions and interacting with other members

Deciding to grow 

No one is the same after viewing the courses included in The Essential Styles of Tango. The change in terms of listening to and understanding tango is obvious and definitive. 

This transformation has a strong impact on each person’s tango activities, whether it be on dancing if you’re a dancer, on playing if you’re a musician, on teaching if you’re a teacher or in terms of enjoyment no matter what you do. 

Sharing the passion for tango with others happens on a new level for those who take the The Essential Styles of Tango courses. 

Concepts, vocabulary, and possibilities begin to multiply, and so does your enjoyment.

 

Buy "Juan D'Arienzo's Style" course

 

This course IS for you if ...

 

  • you love D'Arienzo and want to understand his style in depth.

  • you don't know much about D'Arienzo and want to understand his relevance and legacy.

  • you are a person who is passionate about tango and who wants to take a leap in improving your way of listening to D'Arienzo's music.
  • you are a dancer and you want to develop your dance by deepening your relationship with the music you dance to.
  • you are a musician and you want to understand each style: to be able to identify its defining elements, understand its logic and embrace its spirit.
  • you teach and you want to expand your knowledge and vocabulary.
  • to this day, you still can't really understand what a syncopation is or the difference between a bowed or pizzicato double bass.
  • you are tired of spending money on lessons that don't clear up your doubts.
  • you feel the desire to share with others from a better understanding.
  • you are willing to make the small effort to open your ears and heart to the music you are passionate about.

 

This course IS NOT for you if...

  • you think traditional tango doesn’t have much value.

  • you are not interested in making a minimal effort to unblock your own obstacles. 
  • you expect magical results without dedicating the time and love that this beautiful music deserves. If you don't dedicate a little time and love to it, I can't guarantee results.  

 

FAQ

Will I understand the courses if I know nothing about music?

You don’t need to have any prior musical knowledge in order to understand and enjoy the courses. The language is clear, friendly, and intended for all audiences. 

Are the courses for musicians only?

No, the courses have been created and designed so that anyone can enjoy them: dancers, musicians, aficionados, curious people and more. Everyone is welcome!

Are there examples of historical recordings?

Yes, there are many! Each course includes an average of 300 audio examples carefully selected and edited in order to illustrate the explanations as clearly as possible. Each of the elements explained in the courses is complemented with 3 or 4 examples from the catalog of each orchestra. It’s impossible not to hear what’s being explained.

Are there musicians playing live?

Yes, we added a group of distinguished musicians to the explanations whenever it was necessary to show something on an instrument. Whether as soloists or in a group, the musicians take the time to show a great number of musical and stylistic elements in detail, illustrating the ideas being presented. 

Are there English subtitles?

Yes, all of the courses have English subtitles created by an expert who is a native of the United States and a professional tango musician.

Are there subtitles in languages other than English?

Not yet, but we plan to do subtitles in other languages in the future.

For how long can I watch the courses I purchase?

The courses can be viewed indefinitely. Once you buy access to a course, you can watch and rewatch it as many times as you like, whenever and wherever you want. Forever.

Can I watch on my phone or computer?

Yes, the platform which hosts the courses is specially designed so that they can be enjoyed equally on computers, TV’s and phones. In fact, the format adjusts automatically if you choose to watch on your smartphone or tablet. 

How many hours is each course?

Each course has an average duration of 6 to 7 hours (except for the Pocket Version, which lasts an average of 3 hours). This might seem like a lot, but each course is divided into many shorter units which can be watched at whatever rhythm is comfortable for you, wherever and whenever. There’s nothing superfluous and nothing left out in The Essential Styles of Tango. The courses are very carefully designed to cover everything we need to know about each style without getting bored, in a way that is dynamic and accessible to anyone. 

If I buy the Pocket Version of the course, can I buy an upgrade to the Full Version or do I have to buy the whole thing again?

Any course purchased as a Pocket Version can be upgraded to the Full Version simply by paying for an upgrade, which means simply paying the difference in price between the Pocket Version and the Full Version.

 

Open your heart and ears to Juan D'Arienzo's style.

Join all those who are already part of the community of The Essential Styles of Tango.

The choice is yours... 

Choose the version of the course that best suits your needs.

Juan D'Arienzo's Style

$97 USD

POCKET VERSION

 ✓ Stages of the orchestra and style description

 ✓ Marcato in 4

 ✓ Syncopations

 ✓ Tuttis and solis (parcial)

 ✓  Dynamics

  Piano solos (parcial)

  Violin solos

  Omnipresent piano (parcial)

  Triplets  

✓  Recommended playlists

 ✓ Measure-by-measure analysis

 ✓ Double bass patterns

 ✓ Bandoneón solos

  Signature textures

  Exceptions to the rules

 ✓  Direction

 ✓ Beginnings and endings

 ✓ Listening exercises

 ✓ And many more details 

 

Buy course

Juan D'Arienzo's Style

$197 USD

FULL VERSION

 ✓ Stages of the orchestra and style description

 ✓ Marcato in 4 and its variations

 ✓ Syncopations and their variations

 ✓ Tuttis and solis (complete)

 ✓  Dynamics

  Piano solos (complete)

  Violin solos and their variations

  Omnipresent piano (all)

  Triplets and little formulas

 ✓  Recommended playlists

 ✓ Measure-by-measure analysis

 ✓ Double bass patterns

 ✓ Bandoneón solos

  Signature textures

  Exceptions to the rules

 ✓  Direction

 ✓ Beginnings and endings

 ✓ Listening exercises

 ✓ And many more details 

 

Buy course

Juan D'Arienzo's Style

$100 USD

UPGRADE TO FULL

  Unlock all the content not included in the Pocket version

 If you liked the Pocket version, you will love the FULL version

 ✓  Don't hesitate, it's time to delve deeper into learning and maximize your enjoyment...

 (Only for those who have already purchased the Pocket version)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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