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Rating: 
Summary: A superb reference for all aspiring tangologists!
Review: The is the English version of Ferrer's "El Siglo de Oro de Tango". He categorized the hundred years of tango history into 8 periods, from the genesis of tango, through the development of various "orquestas tipicas", to the modernization of the music and the current popularity of its music and dance. Each period and its prominent musicians and poets were nicely described and at the end of each period, Ferrer listed the major compositions of that time. Some of these lists seem somewhat tedious for leisure reading, but they are very useful if you want to look up some particular information. The book is also beautifully illustrated with vintage photographs of the major orchestras and dancers as well as the wonderfully decorated covers of the sheet music. If you are interested in the history of tango music, this is a very good introduction and reference. This is particularly true for people who can't read Spanish fluently. Yes, it took me almost 3 months to receive my copy. But it is well worth it! Finally, just a brief biographic note on Horacio Ferrer. He was the lyricist for Astor Piazzolla for a very long time. His most famous lyrics included "balada para un loco", "Chiquilin de bachin", and "Maria de Buenos Aires" (an operita). He is currently one of the foremost tango scholars (among others such as Jose Gobello, Maria Susana Azzi, and Simon Collier).
Rating:
Summary: A superb reference for all aspiring tangologists!
Review: The is the English version of Ferrer's "El Siglo de Oro de Tango". He categorized the hundred years of tango history into 8 periods, from the genesis of tango, through the development of various "orquestas tipicas", to the modernization of the music and the current popularity of its music and dance. Each period and its prominent musicians and poets were nicely described and at the end of each period, Ferrer listed the major compositions of that time. Some of these lists seem somewhat tedious for leisure reading, but they are very useful if you want to look up some particular information. The book is also beautifully illustrated with vintage photographs of the major orchestras and dancers as well as the wonderfully decorated covers of the sheet music. If you are interested in the history of tango music, this is a very good introduction and reference. This is particularly true for people who can't read Spanish fluently. Yes, it took me almost 3 months to receive my copy. But it is well worth it! Finally, just a brief biographic note on Horacio Ferrer. He was the lyricist for Astor Piazzolla for a very long time. His most famous lyrics included "balada para un loco", "Chiquilin de bachin", and "Maria de Buenos Aires" (an operita). He is currently one of the foremost tango scholars (among others such as Jose Gobello, Maria Susana Azzi, and Simon Collier).
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