Episode 8

Today we’ll talk about the violin — that shimmering thread that gives tango its tenderness, its sighs, and sometimes its cry. Though it rarely takes the spotlight, the violin is an inseparable voice of the tango orquesta. Many great bandleaders began with the bow in hand — Francisco Canaro, Juan D’Arienzo — and carried that sense of phrasing and tension into their orchestras. But today, let’s turn our ears to those moments where the violin steps forward and speaks directly to our hearts.

Let’s listen to pieces where the violin truly touches our nerves — moments when it sings, teases, and sometimes weeps between the bandoneons.

Elvino Vardaro — a virtuoso who blended classical mastery with tango passion. He played with Julio De Caro, Osvaldo Fresedo, and Aníbal Troilo, always standing out for his lyrical strength and daring phrasing.

🎵 Tigre Viejo 1933, listen to his violin part starting at 3:06

Aquiles Roggero — the heart of Osmar Maderna’s refined sound. He kept Maderna’s dream alive even after the pianist’s death, leading the Orquesta Símbolo.

🎵 Fantasía En Tiempo De Tango 1947, present from the beginning and through the all parts of the track

Julio De Caro — the man who revolutionized tango phrasing. His violin gave tango its modern soul — smooth, expressive, full of sliding emotion.

🎵 Anibal Troilo 1949, violins starts at 1:16

Enrique Mario Francini — one of the finest violinists of the Golden Age. From Miguel Caló’s orchestra to his own partnership with Armando Pontier, Francini gave tango both polish and fire.

🎵 Inspiracion 1956, violin part starts at 2:10

So next time you dance, let your ear follow the violin — not just the beat. It’s the voice that trembles between steps, the whisper behind the rhythm, and the soul that carries tango’s emotion straight into your embrace.

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