Tango (September)

About

Sydney dance teacher Ian Murphy tells how the Argentinean tango began in the ghettos of Buenos Aires, with dance steps grouped in 5s and 7s which worked across the music's phrasing. However, when taken to Europe, extra dance steps were invented to fit into groups of 8s. Tango (September) is one of five tangos, Tango Cinco, for solo piano. Exploring groups of 5, it alternates between mysterious sections driven by the left hand with strong, majestic sections in which both hands weave inner voice leading lines. The piece is dedicated to Jan Lockwood, friend and pianist. I gave the first Australian performance in 2006 and Janelle Carrigan has recorded the work, titled Skins on the Wirripang label Wirr038.