Best Early Tango
Julio De Caro’s “El Marne,” created in 1928, is a significant instrumental tango piece. It's notable for its contribution to the development of *guardia nueva* and showcases a distinctive melancholic tone characteristic of early Argentine tango. The composition is particularly appreciated by student...
Eduardo Arolas’ Derecho Viejo is a significant early tango composition from 1916. The piece showcases intricate bandoneon work characteristic of the Guardia Vieja style and represents an important moment in Argentine tango's musical development. It is particularly appreciated by tango musicians, his...
Comme il Faut is an iconic Argentine tango created by Carlos di Sarli in 1927. The piece established a recognizable sound through its rich orchestration and elegant melody, becoming a cornerstone of early tango music. It remains popular among tango dancers and musicians studying the history and nuan...
Noche de Garufa is an early Argentine tango from 1917. The piece gained prominence through its distinctive lyrics penned by poet Pascual Contursi, a key figure in the Guardia Vieja style of tango. It’s notable for its themes exploring urban nightlife and social commentary within the context of that...
La Gayola is a significant tango composition from the early 1900s originating in Argentina. Composed by Francisco Canaro and with lyrics by Juan José Contursi, it’s considered a cornerstone of guardia-vieja style. The song's narrative and evocative vocals established its lasting presence within tang...
Rosendo Mendizábal’s El Entrerriano is an early Argentine tango from 1897. It holds significant historical importance as one of the earliest tangos documented with a defined musical structure. The piece showcases a style reminiscent of *guardia-vieja*, reflecting the music prevalent in Buenos Aires...
Don Juan is an instrumental Argentine tango composed by Ernesto Ponzio during the formative period of the genre. Associated with the early Guardia Vieja repertoire, it uses the clear pulse, recurring melodic phrases, and strongly marked rhythmic character of early tango written for social dancing. T...
"La Morocha" is an Argentine tango composed by Enrique Saborido in 1905, achieving significant international success as one of the first global tango hits. Featuring lyrics by Angel Villoldo, the song helped catalyze the tango craze in Europe, particularly in Paris, during the early 20th century. It...
La Cachila is an instrumental Argentine tango composition written by Eduardo Arolas in 1913. Arolas, known as 'El Tigre del Bandoneón,' was a prominent composer and bandoneon player during the Guardia Vieja period of early tango music. The piece is heavily driven by the rhythm of the bandoneón and r...
El Porteñito is an early Argentine tango composition written by the musician Ángel Villoldo in 1903. As a prominent figure of the Guardia Vieja period of tango, Villoldo wrote the piece to reflect the distinct culture and everyday life of Buenos Aires residents. The title translates to "the little m...
El Africano is an instrumental Argentine tango composed by bandoneonist Anselmo Aieta in 1927 during the Guardia Vieja (Old Guard) period of tango development. The composition features characteristic rhythmic patterns and melodic structures typical of tango music from this era, with arrangements tha...
El Garrón is an instrumental Argentine tango composed by Julio De Caro in 1928. De Caro was a pivotal figure in the Guardia Nueva period, and this piece exemplifies his role in evolving tango into a more complex, sophisticated form of concert music. The composition features intricate violin arrangem...
La Payanca is a traditional Argentine tango composed by Francisco Canaro in 1913, notable for being a highly influential standard in the genre's golden age repertoire.
La Felicia is an early Argentine tango composed by Francisco Canaro in 1916, noted for its historical importance as a defining piece during the formalization of tango music.
La Guitarrita is an early Argentine tango composed by pianist Samuel Castriota in 1915. Castriota was a figure of the guardia vieja period of tango, also known for composing the music that became "Mi Noche Triste," one of the first tango canción recordings. Francisco Canaro, one of the most prolific...
Reliquias Porteñas is an Argentine tango composed by Francisco Canaro in 1924, distinguished by its nostalgic homage to the cultural heritage and traditional life of Buenos Aires.
Tigre Viejo is an Argentine tango composed by Anselmo Aieta in 1926, recognized as a robust rhythmic piece frequently performed by major orchestras during the genre's golden era.
"Tierrita" is an Argentine tango composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto in 1923, placing it firmly within the early traditional or "Guardia Vieja" period of the genre. The composition is notable for its deep-rooted suburban themes, reflecting the working-class culture and sentiments of Buenos Aires neig...
