Monthly Archive for November, 2008

Today’s Tango Topper is Juan D’Arienzo

Juan D’Arienzo (1900-1976) was an Argentine tango musician, also known as “El Rey del Compas” (King of the Beat). Departing from other orchestras of the golden age, D’Arienzo returned to the 2×4 feel that characterized music of the old guard, but he used more modern arrangements and instrumentation. His popular group produced hundreds of recordings. His music is played often at milongas in Buenos Aires, and the instrumentals are the classic harder rhythmic tangos with a strong staccato dance rhythm.

This is the top 10 of D’Arienzo songs listened to on last.fm:

1935 is the key year in D’Arienzo´s career; this is the year when the D’Arienzo we all remember really appeared. That happened when in his orchestra Rodolfo Biagi was included, a pianist who had played with Pacho, who had accompanied Gardel on some recordings, who had also played with Juan Guido and with Juan Canaro. D’Arienzo was performing at the Chantecler by then. Biaggi´s inclusion meant a change of time signature for D’Arienzo orchestra, which changed the four-eight for the two-four; that is to say, he returned to two-four, the fast frolic beat of the primitive tangos.
(todotango)

Today’s Tango Topper is Carlo Di Sarli.

Carlos Di Sarli (January 7, 1903 – January 12, 1960) was an Argentine tango musician, orchestra leader, composer and pianist. Before starting his own tango orchestra, he played in Osvaldo Fresedo’s orchestra. He developed smooth, clean-sounding, powerful arrangements which his Orquesta típica and recorded 27 albums and 512 recordings are reported. His music is widely used by learner dancers because of its easy, danceable sound, and is played regularly in milongas for social tango dancing.

And what is the Top 10 of Di Sarli’s songs people listen to on last.fm (#1 and #2 are actually the same song):