What comes to mind when you hear the word tango? Tango music has been closely linked to its traditional forms, characterized by dramatic rhythms, distinctive melodies, and an unmistakable longing that captures the passionate, often melancholic culture of Buenos Aires. Audiences generally expect to hear the iconic orchestration of the bandoneón, violins, and piano, driving rhythms with syncopated bass lines, and harmonies that combine sadness and sensuality. The structure of the music is often predictable, featuring defined sections and emotional arcs that reflect the passionate, dramatic themes rooted in the dance floor origins of tango.
I’m not an expert on tango music or any Latin music, for that matter. I understand it intellectually, but it doesn’t inspire me to get up and swing my body unless it’s samba or bossa nova, which are the only exceptions. While I find the bandoneón to be a curious instrument, its sounds leave me feeling uninspired.
That said, JP Jofre’s work defies conventions by pushing the boundaries of tango into more experimental areas. Jofre incorporates influences from classical music, jazz, and even minimalism into his compositions. His tango is not restricted by traditional frameworks; instead, it embraces modern sensibilities, introducing dissonant harmonies, unpredictable rhythmic patterns, and a more layered, complex texture. By employing contemporary techniques and a wide variety of instruments, his work connects the past and present of tango, creating a distinctive fusion that preserves the emotional core of the genre while adding something new and unexpected. This unique blend of tradition with avant-garde elements allows Jofre’s compositions to stand out, offering a fresh perspective on the centuries-old tango art form.
In the bright light of Assembly Hall, where the event took place the opening scene was of two couples one on each side of the stage, dancing. Both women wore red, one with a sparkling buckle, but the dancers seemed to lack the passion one is accustomed to seeing in tango, reading flamboyant gestures and making emotional hand or eye movements.
The striking opening reminded me of musicians in the early 1920s who entertained audiences during silent films by playing live music to accompany the film. Pianist Sohee Kwon provided a cohesive thread to the performances throughout the evening. Her impeccable timing, fusing soft and bold bursts of sound, harmoniously aligned with JP Jofre’s vision, creating a masterful dissonant partnership. The same is true of the entire group of musicians, yet Kwon’s gentle and sometimes almost imperceptible notes rang out to my ears. (This is probably due to bias. Striking dramatic notes just don’t have the same impact on me at this stage, almost as if I’ve listened to too much music my whole life.)
“The 5th Season,” an original composition by Jofre, sounded like it was written as a forlorn, unrequited love story or a misty, lonely stroll on the banks of the Seine in Paris. It ended like a Boris Karloff soundtrack with a walloping sound of discord.
There was one famous and expected tango number, a crowd-pleaser in the show’s almost two-hour-long performance.
By the end of the evening, I left the hall more versed in modern tango than when I had come in.
Meet the Musicians
Juan Pablo Jofre Romarion, better known as JP Jofre, is from San Juan, Argentina. He is a composer nominated for both Grammy and Latin Grammy awards and a skilled bandoneon player. Mr. Jofre has written many concertos for chamber and symphony orchestras and various chamber music works. His creations have often appeared in The New York Times, and Great Performers at Lincoln Center have acknowledged him as one of today’s top artists. Esteemed groups such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Grammy-winning artist Paquito D’Rivera, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra have recorded his music. He has also presented performances and lectures at notable venues like Google Talks, TED Talks, The Juilliard School of Music, and The New School. An honoree of Argentina’s National Prize of the Arts, Mr. Jofre has taken part in numerous distinguished festivals, including the Celebrity Series of Boston, Umbria Jazz Festival, Great Performers at Lincoln Center, Seattle Town Hall, and various chamber music events in Australia, the U.K., and Hungary, such as Kasposfest.
Dr. Sohee Kwon is an acclaimed pianist from South Korea, celebrated for her artistic talent and exceptional piano skills. She has received top honors in major international competitions, including First Prize at the 2020 MTNA Chamber Competition and Second Prize at the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Competition. As a dedicated soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Kwon has demonstrated her artistry in esteemed venues worldwide, such as Carnegie Hall and Beethoven-Haus Kammermusiksal in Bonn.
Renowned for his “bold, rich sound” (Strad Magazine) and “nuanced musicianship” (New York Times), Grammy-nominated cellist Michael Katz has showcased his talents as both a soloist and a chamber musician across North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and Israel. He has graced prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Kennedy Center. After this performance, he will collaborate with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, allowing us the privilege of experiencing his artistry in such an intimate setting.
Geoffrey Herd, founder of ATX Music, is a highly regarded violinist. As the CEO and Co-Artistic Director, Herd curates events integrating exceptional musical experiences with social engagement, aiming to make classical and jazz music more accessible to a broader audience.
Herd holds the position of Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of Louisville, where he mentors and educates the next generation of violinists. His performance career has taken him to prestigious venues, including the Isabel Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Furthermore, Herd founded and directed the Geneva Music Festival, an event that brings together accomplished classical and jazz musicians and has earned national acclaim.
Joel Braun is the Associate Professor of Double Bass at the University of Texas at Austin. He has performed with several prominent orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Israel Philharmonic. As both a soloist and chamber musician, he has played at esteemed universities, conservatories, and music festivals across the United States.
ATX Chamber Music and Jazz holds concerts to bring audiences closer together. Each month or more frequently, its shows are held at unique venues around town pairing it with dinner to complement the theme of the musical evening. This performance was matched with Argentine food provided by the Buenos Aires Cafe, including empanadas and chocolate flan petit fours.
For further information on upcoming events, visit www.atxmusic.com
To learn more about the artists, visit their websites:
https://www.michaelkatzcello.com/about
https://music.utexas.edu/about/people/joel-braun