There’s nothing else like it. A guitar in every house, a hang with the Maestros, and the hang of amateur guitarists. Anything can happen in a guitarreada.
For a long time I have been telling about the guitar in Argentina to my US friends. One experience that summarizes the presence of the guitar in Argentina, is what happened to me while travelling in the country. I would meet someone and start talking about music; I would ask them if they played any instrument and they would say "no", then they would pick up a guitar and start playing it without any problems; and this happened more than once. An instrument in their minds is the violin, the bandoneón, the piano; playing the guitar is not playing an instrument, it is like breathing or walking.
As for the guitarists who accompany singers at the peñas, they are absolutely amazing. They know hundreds of songs, both tango and folk music, and they can play them in any key. And they know how much they have to help each singer, as soon as they start singing; if it is a strong singer they can play a more complex accompaniment, but if the singer needs it they play the simplest, most supporting version.
Right now there is a great film made by Yael Szmulewicz, "El sonido de antes", playing at the Gaumont. Anyone interested in guitars should see it.
These are great points, Gerardo! It's interesting about the guitar not being considered a legitimate or serious instrument, due to its association with popular music (and accessible price). And yes, the peña guitarists are quite something. Excellent points about their skills playing in any key. They also become very good and covering for any timing problems, and they have amazingly large repertoire from memory. True maestros!
For a long time I have been telling about the guitar in Argentina to my US friends. One experience that summarizes the presence of the guitar in Argentina, is what happened to me while travelling in the country. I would meet someone and start talking about music; I would ask them if they played any instrument and they would say "no", then they would pick up a guitar and start playing it without any problems; and this happened more than once. An instrument in their minds is the violin, the bandoneón, the piano; playing the guitar is not playing an instrument, it is like breathing or walking.
As for the guitarists who accompany singers at the peñas, they are absolutely amazing. They know hundreds of songs, both tango and folk music, and they can play them in any key. And they know how much they have to help each singer, as soon as they start singing; if it is a strong singer they can play a more complex accompaniment, but if the singer needs it they play the simplest, most supporting version.
Right now there is a great film made by Yael Szmulewicz, "El sonido de antes", playing at the Gaumont. Anyone interested in guitars should see it.
These are great points, Gerardo! It's interesting about the guitar not being considered a legitimate or serious instrument, due to its association with popular music (and accessible price). And yes, the peña guitarists are quite something. Excellent points about their skills playing in any key. They also become very good and covering for any timing problems, and they have amazingly large repertoire from memory. True maestros!