Tango Sonata

The Tango Sonata is a new development by Pablo Aguirre. In 2003 was the worldpremiere of Sonata Tanguera no.1 Buenos Aires en llamas. Here, the composer makes use of the structure of the classical sonata form, the structure of the first movement of the traditional sonata, by dividing it into single fragments in order to create a new framework for the Tango-Sonata. In the different Tango-Sonatas the fragments of the sonata form are separated in 4, 5, 6 or 7 movements.

This renewed basic structure facilitates a dynamic development and a variation of expression that describes a vivid narrative curve. Elements of tango are blended with chromatic and full tone scales, which leads to modulations that remind of impressionistic music. The musical themes are formed by the rhythm and character of tango and its related types (milonga and valsecito). This kaleidoscope of audible sensory impressions, full of tempo alterations and leitmotives, is presented in the Tango Sonata in a very impressive way.

Sonata Tanguera no.1 Buenos Aires en Llamas

"Buenos Aires en Llamas" is a homage to the direct participation of the Argentine people in the establishment of democracy. It is inspired by the "Cooking-Pot Revolution", which took place in Argentina in December 2001 as a result of the instable economic situation and the immoral behavior of the politicians. This work expresses the population's feelings of suffering and of hope during that time. The emotional roller-coaster of anxiety, anger, weakness, courage and apocalyptic mood on the side of the population can be found here in audible pictures.

Sonata Tanguera no.2 Buenos Aires renacer

Aguirre's second Tango Sonata explores the existential relationship between hope and despair. It refers to the moment when the individual or society finds itself at the point of total breakdown and destruction. At this stage, apparently without escape, hope and instinct of survival start to flourish again: an active and creative impulse restores meaning to life.

Sonata Tanguera no.3 Buenos Aires alquimia

Aguirre’s third Tango Sonata has seven movements and is a further development of the first Tango Sonata. He achieves in nuances and with the rhythmic and melodic elements to capture the busy and changing life of Buenos Aires. This is the character and the soul of Buenos Aires and its inhabitants, a melting pot of incomprehensible and incredible concentration of emotions, joy, hopes, but also of apathy, fatalism and misery.

Sonata Tanguera no.4 Buenos Aires solitaria

In the next Tango Sonata Aguirre uses a compact form of only five movements and it reflects its latest stage of development. In this form of Tango Sonata the first movement displays the exposition of the sonata form developing the theme A. The following movements continue the original structure of the Tango Sonata, deepening the theme B, showing the development, the reprise, the cadence and at last the coda. This work is for traverse flute (solo).

Other published Tango Sonata(s)

- Sonata Tanguera no.5 Buenos Aires vulnerable (Double Bass & Piano)
- Sonata Tanguera no.5 Buenos Aires vulnerable (Violoncello & Piano)
- Sonata Tanguera no.6 Buenos Aires hechicera (Piano solo)
- Sonata Tanguera no.7 Buenos Aires compadrita (Clarinet solo)


You can find more details about instrumentation and arrangements
in the category Works.