Di Sarli Instrumentals
Carlos Di Sarli played the piano and conducted his orchestra while playing in his own orchestra. His left hand making the beat and "campanitas" (little bells) - the lovely adornments that sounds like little bells are distinguishable throughout different eras of Di Sarli orchestra.
Di Sarli's orchestra has very simple arrangement, main melody mostly carried by thick layor of violins, bandoneons are in the back ground, very clear beat by Di Sarli's own pianos.
Di Sarli's instrumental repertoire consists of composition from Guardia Vieja (1900-1910s) and Guardia Nueva (1920s), none of the songs that were written the Golden Age (1935-55) except for his most famous recording Bahía Blanca, which he composed himself dedicating to the town he was born and raised.
Early instrumentals
Recording of Di Sarli from this era is fast paced, inspired by the fast dancing beat of D'Arienzo.
1939
Retirao (Withdrawn)
Music: Carlos PosadasRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1939
The title retirao is abbreviation of retirado, as often Argentinean do. Based on the score cover, the song is about a man who is withdrawn on the left. Posadas dedicated this song to his friend Argentino Tarantino. Compare with Canaro's recording from 1927.
1940
Catamarca
Music: Eduardo Arolas Lyrics: Jesús Fernández BlancoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Catamarca is a province in North west region in Argentina.
La Trilla (Threshing)
Music: Eduardo ArolasRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Threshing is the process of loosening the edible part of grain (or other crop) from the straw to which it is attached. It is the step in grain preparation after reaping. (wikipedia) In Argentina it was done by spreading out the loosened sheaves on a circular enclosure of hard ground, and driving horses round and round over it so as to tread out the grain.
El Opio (The Opium)
Music: Francisco CanaroRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Another recording of Guardia Vieja era composition.
Di Sarli recorded it again in 1951.
El Incendio (The Fire)
Music: Arturo De BassiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Guardia Vieja repertoire.
Racing Club
Music: Vicente GrecoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Popular soccer club in Buenos Aires founded in 1903. They were champion 7 years in a row 1907-13!
Milonguero Viejo (Old Milonguero)
Music: Carlos Di SarliRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Di Sarli composed this song dedicating to Osvaldo Fresedo who gave him a job as the pianist. Fresedo recorded it in 1928. Di Sarli recorded it in 1940, 44 and 51.
El Jaguar (The Jaguar)
Music: Atilio LombardoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
The composer was a violist for Eduardo Arolas' orchestra.
Arolas recorded this song in 1917.
We assume the song is dedicated to someone nicknamed as El Jaguar (The Jaguar).
Arolas, for example, was nicknamed as Tiger of Bandoneon.
El Pollo Ricardo (The Chicken Ricardo)
Music: Luis Fernández Recorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
1911 composition by Uruguayan Luis Fernández dedicated to an Uruguayan dancer Ricardo Scandroglio.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1940, 46 and 51.
Read the story about this song on todotango.
Shusheta (El Aristocrata)
Music: Juan Carlos CobiánRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Angel D'Agostino / Vargas recorded it with lyrics in 1945.
Nobleza De Arrabal (Arrabal Nobility)
Music: Francisco Canaro Lyrics: Juan CarusoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
Francisco Canaro's composition.
Compare with the version by Canaro.
Viviani (Viviani)
Music: Roberto FirpoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
It is said that Firpo dedicated this song to the then French Prime minister René Viviani who visited Argentina in 1919 during WWI.
La Cachila (The Finch)
Music: Eduardo ArolasRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
One of the regular customer at a cafe where Arolas used to play looked like the bird cachila. Di Sarli recorded it again in 1952.
El Estagiario (The Intern)
Music: Martín Lasala ÁlvarezRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
The word estagiario comes from "Stagiare" meaning medical intern in French.
Medical students danced tango and hosted big tango partie in early days of tango.
Like El Once, Rawson, El Internado, this tango is dedicated to them.
Mi Refugio (My Refuge)
Music: Juan Carlos CobiánRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
Di Sarli recorded it again in 1952.
Marianito (Little Mariano)
Music: Domingo SalernoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
Composer Salerno played with Canaro in early 1900s.
Title probably means someone that this song is dedicated to.
Di Sarli recorded it again in 1952.
La Torcacita (The Little Dove)
Music: José MartínezRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
Germaine
Music: Alberto López BuchardoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
It was subtitled Tango Parisién. Germaine is a French girl's name.
Di Sarli recorded it again in 1951 and 1955.
Sentimiento Criollo (Creole Emotion)
Music: Roberto Firpo Lyrics: Domingo LombardiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1940
The lyrics talks about the love for beautiful homeland.
La Morocha (The Brunette)
Music: Enrique Saborido Lyrics: Angel VilloldoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
El Recodo (The Curb)
Music: Alejandro JunnissiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
As you can see in the picture, it's about horse racing.
El Paladín (The Defender)
Music: Agustín BardiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1941
Score says it is dedicated to Bardi's friend Guillermo Fischer.
Di Sarli recorded in 29 with sextet as well.
Also compare with Pugliese 1945.
Mid 40s instrumentals
Music slows down in this period.
El Amanecer (The Dawn)
Music: Roberto FirpoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1943
Di Sarli recorded it in 1942, 51 and 54.
Bar Exposición
Music: Luis TeisseireRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1943
Dedicated to a bar at 656 Florida St, originally called "Cosa linda y barata (Pretty and cheap thing)". Canaro first recorded it in 1930. Di Sarli recorded again in 1952 and 1954.
Don José María
Music: Rosendo MendizábalRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1943
La Viruta (Bandoneon's Chords)
Music: Vicente GrecoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1943
Viruta in Lunfardo means many things. (sawdust, money, rumor, laziness, enthusiasm, etc) but in this case we think it means bandoneon's chords.
Composer Greco was a bandoneonist.
Juan Maglio Pacho first recorded this song in 1913.
Compare with different versions by Gobbi, Biagi, etc.
Ensueños (Daydream)
Music: Luis Brighenti Lyrics: Enrique CadícamoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1943
El Jagüel (Waterer)
Music: Carlos PosadasRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1943
Milonguero Viejo (Old Milonguero)
Music: Carlos Di SarliRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1944
Di Sarli composed this song dedicating to Osvaldo Fresedo who gave him a job as the pianist. Fresedo recorded it in 1928. Di Sarli recorded it in 1940, 44 and 51.
Champagne Tango
Music: Manuel Aróztegui Lyrics: Pascual ContursiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1944
Champagne tango refers to "tea dance" in the late afternoon to early evening. Aróztegui dedicated this song to actor Florencio Parravicini.
Di Sarli recorded this song in 1944, 52 and 58.
Royal Pigall
Music: Juan Maglio "Pacho"Recorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1944
Royal Pigall was a cabaret where Francisco Canaro played.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1944 and 54.
Un Lamento (A Lament)
Music: Graciano De Leone Lyrics: Pedro Numa CórdobaRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1944
Rodríguez Peña
Music: Vicente GrecoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1945
Di Sarli recorded this song in 1945, 52 and 56.
Rodríguez Peña is a name of the tango venue in downtown Buenos Aires named after the street where it was located.
Song was written in 1930 for engineering students' dance party.
Vea, Vea (Look, look)
Music: Roberto FirpoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1945
Barba De Choclo (Corn Silk)
Music: Vicente Greco Lyrics: Carlos PesceRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1945
Di Sarli recorded this song again in 1952.
Ojos Negros (Black Eyes)
Music: Vicente GrecoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1945
Siete Palabras (Seven Words)
Music: Prudencio AragónRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1945
A La Gran Muñeca (To The Big Doll)
Music: Jesús Ventura Lyrics: Miguel OsésRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1945
Song from 1920. It was written for a theatrical play.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1945, 51 and 54.
El Pollo Ricardo (The Chicken Ricardo)
Music: Luis Fernández Recorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1946
1911 composition by Uruguayan Luis Fernández dedicated to an Uruguayan dancer Ricardo Scandroglio.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1940, 46 and 51.
Read the story about this song on todotango.
El Distinguido Ciudadano (The Distinguished Citizen)
Music: Peregrino PaulosRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1946
El Caburé (The Owl)
Music: Arturo De Bassi Lyrics: Roberto CayolRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1946
Another one of those song with a bird's name as nickname for a regular customer at the venue where the musicians used to play. Many musician recorded this song.
Read the story behind this song.
El Once (The Eleventh)
Music: Osvaldo Fresedo Lyrics: Emilio Fresedo Recorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1946
Fresedo composed it for 11th Medical Intern's Ball.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1946, 51 and 54.
El Pollito (The Little Chick)
Music: Francisco CanaroRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1947
La Racha (The Gust)
Music: Agustín BardiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1947
Los 33 Orientales (The 33 Orientals)
Music: Alfredo Mazzeo & José Felipetti Lyrics: Arturo Juan Rodríguez Recorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1948
33 Orientals is the name of a military group that contributed to Uruguay's independence.
Early 50s instrumentals
Di Sarli switched to a new record label Music Hall and recorded practically all of his repertoire again between 1951 and 1954.
Didí
Music: Roberto FirpoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1951
He also recorded it in 1947
Firpo dedicó ese tango a una mujer francesa que se llamaba Andrée (Andrea) de Luxeiul y a la que en la intimidad llamaban Didí.
Un Lamento (A Lament)
Music: Graciano De Leone Lyrics: Pedro Numa CórdobaRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1953
Late 50s instrumentals
This is the era that most people associate with when they think of Di Sarli.
Thick layers of violion. Slow, restrained beat. Campanita by Di Sarli's piano.
El Choclo (The Corn)
Music: Angel VilloldoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1954 with RCA Victor label
The only tango with bandoneon variacion recorded by Di Sarli.
A La Gran Muñeca (To The Big Doll)
Music: Jesús Ventura Lyrics: Miguel OsésRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1954
Song from 1920. It was written for a theatrical play.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1945, 51 and 54.
El Amanecer (The Dawn)
Music: Roberto FirpoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1954
Di Sarli recorded it in 1942, 51 and 54.
Organito De La Tarde (Streetorgan in the afternoon)
Music: Càtulo CastilloRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1954
Di Sarli recorded it in 1942, 51 and 54.
Tinta Verde (Green Ink)
Music: Agustín BardiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1954 with RCA Victor label
Bardi dedicated this song to his friend Eduardo Arolas who put illustration on the score cover.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1945 and 1954 with Music Hall label
Comme il Faut (As It Should Be)
Music: Eduardo ArolasRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1955
Di Sarli recorded it in 1947 and 1951.
It's a French expression. French was very fashionable then.
Bar Exposición
Music: Luis TeisseireRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1954.
Dedicated to a bar at 656 Florida St, originally called "Cosa linda y barata (Pretty and cheap thing)". Canaro first recorded it in 1930. Di Sarli recorded it in 1943, 52 and 54.
El Once (The Eleventh)
Music: Osvaldo Fresedo Lyrics: Emilio Fresedo Recorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1954
Fresedo composed it for 11th Medical Intern's Ball.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1946, 51 and 54.
Don Juan
Music: Ernesto PonzioRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1955
Very old tango. Ponzio was a violinist.
Di Sarli recorded it in 1941, 51 and 55.
El Ingeniero (The Engineer)
Music: Alejandro JunissiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1955
Di Sarli recorded it in 1941, 51 and 55.
Rodríguez Peña
Music: Vicente GrecoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1956
Di Sarli recorded this song in 1945, 52 and 56.
Rodríguez Peña is a name of the tango venue in downtown Buenos Aires named after the street where it was located.
El Jagüel (Waterer)
Music: Carlos PosadasRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1956
Di Sarli recorded this song in 1943, 53 and 56.
Nueve Puntos (At Full Speed)
Music: Francisco CanaroRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1956
Di Sarli recorded it in 1943 and 1952 as well.
Tranvía (streetcar) was a new invention and was important mode of transportation since 1897. The conductor could change the speed from 0 to 9 (30km/hr) and the title nueve puntos = 9 mark meaning the maximum speed of the street car.
Read more about it HERE (Spanish only)
Viviani
Music: Roberto FirpoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1957
Listen to it on Spotify | Apple | Amazon | Youtube | Tangotunes
Firpo composed this song in honor of Rene Viviani who was the French Prime Minister during the beginning of WWI and who visited Buenos Aires in 1919. Listen to 1920 recording by Firpo to hear the difference!
Cara Sucia (Dirty Face)
Music: Francisco CanaroRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1957
Di Sarli recorded this song in 1952 and 1957.
Read more about this tango in Spanish.
Bahía Blanca
Music: Carlos Di SarliRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1957
Bahía Blanca in Spanish means White Bay. It's the name of the city where Di Sarli was born and he composed this song for it. Interestingly it's the only Golden Age composition that he recorded as instrumentals.
Di Sarli recorded this song again in 1958 but the most played version in the milonga is from 1957.
Una Fija (A Sure Bet)
Music: Angel VilloldoRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1958
Another song about horce racing
Champagne Tango
Music: Manuel Aróztegui Lyrics: Pascual ContursiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1958
Champagne tango refers to "tea dance" in the late afternoon to early evening. Aróztegui dedicated this song to actor Florencio Parravicini.
Di Sarli recorded this song in 1944, 52 and 58.
Indio Manso (Tamed Indio)
Music: Héctor QuesadaRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1958
Old composition that Di Sarli picked up.
El Abrojo (Thistle)
Music: Agustín BardiRecorded by Carlos Di Sarli in 1958
Guardia Vieja composition by Bardi. Not to be confused with El Abrojito (Small Thistle) recorded by Pugliese & Morán.