Tango en Skai
by Roland Dyens
Roland Dyens's Tango en Skai (1985) is one of the most widely performed modern guitar pieces, instantly recognizable for its sultry neo-tango melody and the playful wordplay of its title -- skai is a French word for imitation leather, suggesting a tango in fake glamour. The piece perfectly distills Dyens's style: jazz-inflected harmonies, a conversational rubato, sudden dynamic contrasts, and an almost theatrical sense of character. Despite its apparent simplicity it demands a convincing command of tango style -- the precise placement of rhythmic emphasis, the control of vibrato on sustained notes, and a natural fluency in the melodic ornamentation that defines the genre. Dyens (1955-2016) was one of the most beloved guitarist-composers of his generation.
Editions
Henry Lemoine
Dyens authorized edition, 1990
The authoritative edition from Dyens's primary publisher; includes his own performance notes.
Henry Lemoine
Revised edition, 2008
Revised edition with updated fingering suggestions from the composer.