…–1880
Roots
Habanera, milonga, candombe, payada and tango andaluz in the port culture of the Río de la Plata.
About this era: RootsBrowse · Time
Eras of tango
From estribillo to cantor: the blue bar is how much of a typical recording with a singer is sung, measured on the audio we hold.
Before 1935
Guardia Vieja and Guardia Nueva
About 17% sung: the singer comes in for a chorus, the estribillo.
1935–1954
The Golden Age
About 38% sung: the orchestra’s singer becomes a star of the band.
After 1955
The singer becomes the song
About 51% sung, and the voice comes in early.
Every era
Tango's history era by era, oldest first: what each sounded like and who played it.
1880–1920
Guardia Vieja
Trios of flute, guitar and violin; Villoldo and Arolas; sheet music and the first recordings.
About this era: Guardia ViejaListen to this era
- Re fa siFrancisco Canaro, 1918
- La cumparsitaRoberto Firpo, 1917
1920–1935
Guardia Nueva
De Caro, Canaro and Firpo; tango-canción and Gardel; radio and the sextet.
About this era: Guardia NuevaListen to this era
- La otra nocheJuan D'Arienzo, 1928
- Chau PinelaCarlos Di Sarli, 1930
- Milonga porteñaMiguel Caló, 1933
1935–1955
Golden Age
The great dance orchestras and their singers.
About this era: Golden AgeListen to this era
- MandriaJuan D'Arienzo, 1939
- Una fijaCarlos Di Sarli, 1954
- Te aconsejo que me olvidesAníbal Troilo, 1941
1955–1985
Nuevo
Piazzolla's Octeto Buenos Aires, late Pugliese and Troilo, concert tango and the decline of dancing.
About this era: NuevoListen to this era
- PacienciaJuan D'Arienzo, 1970
- Indio mansoCarlos Di Sarli, 1958
- MensajeAníbal Troilo, 1965
1985–2000
Revival
Tango Argentino on stage, dance scenes in Europe and the US, CD reissues.
About this era: RevivalListen to this era
- ArrabalOsvaldo Pugliese, 1985
- Lluvia de estrellasAlfredo De Angelis, 1985
2000–today
Electronic and festival era
Gotan Project and Bajofondo, the neo-orchestras, festivals, marathons and the Mundial.
About this era: Electronic and festival eraListen to this era
- Yunta de oroColor Tango (Roberto Alvarez), 2003
- Organito de la tardeOrquesta El Arranque, 2002
