Pasodoble

Pasodoble, or paso doble, (literally double-step in Spanish) is a Spanish light music, with a binary rhythm and moderated movement, probably based in typical Spanish dances of the 16th century. During the 18th century it was incorporated to comedies and was adopted as a regulatory step for the Spanish infantry, with a special feature that makes the troops can take the regular step: 120 steps per minute. The music was introduced in bullfights during the 19th century. It is played during the bullfighters' entrance to the ring (paseo) or during the passes (faena) just before the kill. It corresponds to the pasodoble dance (traditional and ballroom).

Pasodoble is a lively style of dance to the duple meter march-like pasodoble music. It is modelled after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish and Portuguese bullfight. The traditional couple's dance was originated in France and then adopted in Spain and Portugal.

Famous bullfighters have been honoured with pasodoble tunes named after them. Other tunes have been inspired by patriotic motifs or local characters.

Paso Doble (band)

Paso Doble is a German NDW band that formed in 1983. Very popular in Germany, their songs Computerliebe, Herz An Herz and Fantasie have appeared on several Best of NDW/new wave compilations. They are well known for their unique sound as well as their unusual style and choreography, which had a Spanish style to go with the band's name, Paso Doble being a style of Spanish dance.

Career

In 1979 Rale Oberpichler, a young singer who worked mainly as a background vocalist, wanted to go solo and was looking for a song writer met Frank Hieber, a Pianist, Keyboarder and composer who had worked with various groups and singers including Rio Reiser, Nena, and worked with Peter Schilling on his International Mega hit Major Tom (Coming Home).

Together they formed Paso Doble. In 1985 they released their first single Computerliebe ("computer love", not to be confused with the Kraftwerk song with the same name), which was debuted on the TV show "Extratour" and hit No. 1 on the charts for several weeks. They also had a very well received appearance on Hitparade in March 1985. The first album they released was Fantasie and the title track also spent several weeks at No. 1.