This expression refers to the way in which certain ‘tangueros’ forcefully speak to their fellow dancers; demanding space on the dance floor to show off the brilliant, lithe choreographies they have prepared. This laconic statement immediately connected to the idea I had in mind when I began to write this piece: musicalize the acrobatic provocations and unrepentant attitude of the dancers and move it through each member of the orchestra allowing for their own unique take on a storied tradition.

It should be said that this piece has nothing to do with Tango, however it does have a repetitive, rhythmic motive that is clearly identifiable as Latin American. Although its exact provenance cannot be pinpointed, I’ve used it many times because it is one with which I connect emotionally due to its powerful, driving pulse. The only difference being that this time I’m not using the guitar, but rather, transporting its characteristic “rasgueo” (strum) to bowed instruments.

Returning to the title... Just as the great Astor Piazzolla unapologetically reinvented the tango as a genre in his country, I too have strived to do the same by working with music and rhythms unique to mine. With that said, I endeavor to do the following: Move the strings of the guitar, the most representative instrument of Chile, to the strings of the orchestra, so that the richness of our musical traditions can be shared with the world.

Abran Paso!