Tango: The Art History of Love

Description

In this generously illustrated book, world-renowned Yale art historian Robert Farris Thompson gives us the definitive account of tango, "the fabulous dance of the past hundred years–and the most beautiful, in the opinion of Martha Graham.” Thompson traces tango’s evolution in the nineteenth century under European, Andalusian-Gaucho, and African influences through its representations by Hollywood and dramatizations in dance halls throughout the world. He shows us tango not only as brilliant choreography but also as text, music, art, and philosophy of life. Passionately argued and unparalleled in its research, its synthesis, and its depth of understanding, Tango: The Art History of Love is a monumental achievement. From the Trade Paperback edition. Foreword / by David Byrne -- Overture : Gardel on Avenida Libertador -- Preface : moving with an arm around life -- Tango in Hollywood -- Tango as text -- The cultural preparation -- Habanera : the call of the blood -- Milonga : the great Buenos Aires conversation -- Dancing on the edge : the early tango called Canyengue -- Tango as music -- Tango as dance -- Envoi : El tango / by Robert Colescott. Notes Acknowledgments Index