La cuestión del fraseo en el tango

Abstract

In tango, phrasing (fraseo) is a prominent interpretive trait. My aim is to give a definition through the explanations that have been published by musicians, musicologists and vocalists. I begin by bringing the definitions of phrase, phrasing and tempo rubato. Then I explain the origin of fraseo in tango song as coming from the spoken cadence in porteño speech, and the use of this trait in the instrumental tango as well. I propose listening to a tango being performed in different times, from 1928 to nowadays, to perceive the difference of intensity in the applied fraseo. Finally I point out the modification in phrasing in contemporary tango, or even the lack of it, and evaluate the significance of its presence in historic and current tango perfomances.