Study In Melody & World Music;

El Choclo

"El Choclo" (translation: "The Corn Cob") is a Tango composed by Argentine musician Ángel Villoldo in 1893. Not the most romantic of titles "El Choclo" refers to either the owner of a nightclub's nickname or actually to corn which is featured in a famous Argentinian dish served t said nightclub. Although it has been a band arranger's favorite and musician's standard tune for well over 100 years, "El Choclo” remains one of the most popular Tangos in Argentina.Originally written as a strict Tango with the actual Habanero rhythm as a constant in the bass, "El Choclo" has been

recorded countless time by several famous, iconic figures in the music business such as Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Billy Eckstine and Julio Iglesias to name a few, not including of course the countless Argentinean and Tango records available. As a natural result of popularization, the original Tango (Habanero) feel is often replaced with a more syncopated and modern Latin rhythm.The tune also several dramatic sets of lyrics in both Spanish and English and is known by an alternate title: “Kiss Of Fire”!

I touch your lips and all at once the sparks go flyingThose devil lips that know so well the art of lyingAnd though I see the danger, s�ll the flame grows higherI know I must surrender to your kiss of fireJust like a torch, you set the soul within me burningI must go on, I'm on this road of no returningAnd though it burns me and it turns me into ashesMy whole world crashes without your kiss of fireI can't resist you, what good is there in trying?What good is there denying you're all that I desire?Since first I kissed you my heart was yours completelyIf I'm a slave, then it's a slave I want to beDon't pity me, don't pity meGive me your lips, the lips you only let me borrowLove me tonight and let the devil take tomorrowI know that I must have your kiss although it dooms meThough it consumes me, your kiss of fireI can't resist you, what good is there in trying?What good is there denying you're all that I desire?Since first I kissed you my heart was yours completelyIf I'm a slave, then it's a slave I want to beDon't pity me, don't pity meGive me your lips, the lips you only let me borrowLove me tonight and let the devil take tomorrowI know that I must have your kiss although it dooms meThough it consumes me……. the kiss of fire!!!Aaah Burn me!!!

Kiss Of Fire

G# NoteThe G# note appearing in the song, but not appearing in the A natural minor scale, has two possible explanations.

First, and quite logical to me, is that the G# note located in the first measure of line 2 and in the third measure of line 4, represent a shift to the E 7 arpeggio, the chord tones.

The second explanation is that the G# note is also resident in the A harmonic minor scale, since the G# is the one note that is not in the A natural minor, and only G# notes, not G natural notes, appear this melody it could be said this melody is written using the A harmonic minor scale.

The Other Accidentals: The C#, D# & F# NotesThe C# note appearing in bar 3 of the third line reflects the use of the A7 chord (not in the key) in the harmony so the melody shifts to chord tones. The D# and the the F# note appearing in the B section of the melody are chromatic approach notes or embellishments.

Source MaterialOur version is of course in A minor, with the melody relying heavily of the A minor chord shape and of course clever 16th note triplets based on an A minor scale.

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