The Limping Tango

The Limping Tango combines the energy and movement of a traditional tango with the fun asymmetry of 7/8 time. This piece begins with a quick intro that flourishes into a piano solo. The main theme appears in the flute and clarinet, and it is quickly picked up and altered by the rest of the ensemble. After the energetic 3+2+2 theme, the piano, percussion, and other isolated voices transition to 2+2+3, and eventually the new, flowing, and slow 4/4 theme. This "B" section gradually grows into a powerful and beautiful full ensemble phrase that contrasts with the chaotic polyphony of the "A" theme. However, the peace cannot last, and that chaos returns. The unsettling yet intriguing and fun feeling of the 7/8 finishes off the piece, and it is accented by a minor seventh chord at the end. This provides one last twist to the tentative tango.