History of Tango Music: From Buenos Aires to the World

Tango music was born in the port neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and conquered the world in 150 years. In this article, you'll discover tango's musical evolution, important periods and names.

The Birth of Tango (1850-1880)

Cultural Melting Pot

Buenos Aires at the end of the 19th century was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world:

• Spanish immigrants
• Italian immigrants (largest group)
• African descendants of slaves
• Gaucho (Argentine cowboy) tradition
• European salon music influences

These cultures met in the port district La Boca and San Telmo neighborhoods.

First Instruments

La Guardia Vieja (1880-1920)

"Old Guard Period"

Characteristics

• Simple melodic structures
• Strong, regular rhythm
• Usually without vocals (instrumental)
• Played in bordellos and coffee houses

Important Names

Ángel Villoldo (1861-1919)

• "El Choclo" composer
• Tango's first star
• Both composer and singer

Rosendo Mendizábal (1868-1913)

• "El Entrerriano" composer
• Piano virtuoso

Turning Point: Bandoneon

The bandoneón, brought from Germany in the early 1900s, changed tango's sound forever. This instrument added characteristic melancholy and drama to tango.

La Guardia Nueva (1920-1935)

"New Guard Period"

Characteristics

• More sophisticated arrangements
• Sung tangos becoming widespread
• Tango moving to salons
• International recognition beginning

Important Names

Carlos Gardel (1890-1935)

• "The Voice of Tango"
• Film star
• "El Día Que Me Quieras", "Volver" songs
• Lost his life in a plane crash in 1935

Julio De Caro (1899-1980)

• Innovative arranger
• Elevated tango music to "serious music" level
• Pioneer of the Golden Age

Tango Goes to Paris

In the 1910s, tango became fashionable in Paris. European aristocracy adopted this "scandalous" dance. This gave tango international legitimacy.

La Época de Oro (1935-1955)

"Golden Age" - Tango's brightest period

Why "Golden Age"?

• Radio broadcasts brought tango to every home
• Great orchestras (40+ musicians)
• Packed milongas every night
• Development of recording technology
• Perfect music for dancing

The Four Great Orchestras

1. Juan D'Arienzo (1900-1976)

"El Rey del Compás" - The King of the Beat

• Made young people love tango again in 1935
• Sharp, staccato style
• Ideal for dancing
• 40-year career

Important Songs: "La Cumparsita", "El Flete", "Pensalo Bien"

2. Carlos Di Sarli (1903-1960)

"El Señor del Tango"

• Elegant, romantic style
• Piano-focused arrangements
• Priority on melody
• Milonga DJs' favorite

Important Songs: "Bahía Blanca", "A la Gran Muñeca"

3. Aníbal Troilo (1914-1975)

"Pichuco"

• Perfect balance: rhythm + melody
• Bandoneón virtuoso
• Buenos Aires's beloved
• Both dance and concert music

Important Songs: "Quejas de Bandoneón", "Sur", "La Última Curda"

4. Osvaldo Pugliese (1905-1995)

Dramatic Tango

• Intense, dramatic style
• "Yumba" rhythm
• Known for political stance
• For advanced dancers

Important Songs: "La Yumba", "Gallo Ciego", "Recuerdo"

Tango's Decline (1955-1983)

Reasons

1. Arrival of Rock & Roll - Youth turned to new music
2. Military coups - Gathering bans
3. Television - Entertainment at home
4. Economic crises - Luxury spending decreased

Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)

In this period, Piazzolla transformed tango:

• Classical music + jazz + tango fusion
• Father of "Tango Nuevo" movement
• Not for dancing, for concerts
• Much criticized, then became legend

Important Works: "Libertango", "Adiós Nonino", "Oblivion"

Conclusion

Tango music's history is a journey from marginalized port neighborhoods to concert halls worldwide. Understanding this evolution helps dancers connect more deeply with the music they dance to.

Related Articles:

• Tango History
• Tango Golden Age
• Bandoneón: The Soul of Tango