Highbrowism and Populism in Tango

Art forms that cater to the preferences, requirements, and educational backgrounds of the general public are known as popular arts. Conversely, highbrow arts are regarded as having cultivated tastes and exceptional skills that exceed those of the general public. Highbrow music, for instance, has limited singers because its range and complexity are beyond the capabilities of most individuals. In contrast, a pop song has a narrower range and simpler technique, making it accessible to everyone.

The belief that intricate and challenging forms of art are inherently better than straightforward and accessible ones, however, is flawed. Painting does not necessarily surpass photography, and pop songs can be just as beautiful as those in opera. In fact, simplicity and ease often result in superior outcomes. Being simple does not equate to being artistically inferior, and being easy does not imply a lack of skill. In truth, attaining simplicity and ease requires a great deal of sophistication. Accomplished artists can execute their work with ease, and those who simplify their craft are often more virtuosic than those who cannot (see Simple Is Beautiful).

Individuals who believe in art for art's sake don't understand that arts, particularly popular arts, are for people. What’s the value of a pop song if it is too complex for the general public to enjoy? What's the worth of a social dance if only the elite can dance it? Argentine tango is a social dance. It was created by sailors, gauchos, immigrant workers, and street women. It remains a grassroots dance in Argentina today. Most people who dance tango are ordinary people. They love tango because it is a simple and easy dance that serves their need for connection and affinity with other souls. Those who regard themselves above the crowd try to make tango increasingly intricate and challenging. I don’t think that attempt serves tango well. Tango will continue to evolve as an art form, of course, but transforming it into a highbrow dance akin to ballet is a step in the wrong direction, in my view. The vitality of tango lies in its popularity and sociability, without these qualities, it risks becoming a castle in the air.

"Man is either vulgar or lonely." Schopenhauer's well-known quote can be interpreted in various ways. It can be taken to mean that one should embrace their individuality rather than conforming to the crowd. It can also be interpreted as a warning against becoming too aloof and ending up lonely. Alternatively, it can be seen as a call to balance refined and popular tastes to avoid extremism. Concerning tango, I believe the latter interpretation is more prudent. As a Chinese proverb goes, "Water that is too clear has no fish, and a man who is too high standard has no followers." Schopenhauer's words, therefore, can also be viewed as a cautionary note.