Ángel D'Agostino

Ángel Domingo Emilio D’Agostino (1900-1991) was a celebrated Argentine pianist and orchestra director from Buenos Aires. Recognized for respecting melodic lines and rhythm, his music became a favorite for tango dancers. His collaboration with singer Ángel Vargas resulted in some of his most esteemed work.

Born in the Congreso neighbourhood, D’Agostino was surrounded by music from a young age, gravitating towards the piano by 6. By 1911, he formed his first orchestra with friends Juan D’Arienzo and Eusebio Bianchi. Despite early challenges, he quickly gained popularity, performing in Buenos Aires' elite circles, where he was considered a prodigy.

Over the years, D’Agostino's career flourished. He performed at renowned venues, collaborated with Ennio Bolognini, and even played the Marseillaise to mark the end of WWI. Diverse in his musical pursuits, he wasn’t exclusive to tango early on, even dabbling in acting and accompanying renowned singers. He believed in respecting the essence of every music genre.

His stint with Juan Maglio's orchestra ushered him closer to tango. In 1920, he introduced his own orchestra, a blend of típica and jazz. The group achieved success quickly and featured notable musicians like Agesislao Ferrazzano. By 1925, D’Agostino’s orchestra was pioneering live performances in cinemas, paving the way for musicians to find work in such settings.

In the late 1920s and '30s, D’Agostino’s orchestras saw several revamps, affiliations, and broadcasts, introducing him to big names like Aníbal Troilo and Alberto Echagüe. The orchestra’s profile was ever-rising.

1932 marked the meeting of the two "Angels of tango": D’Agostino and Vargas. Their official partnership began in 1940, and a six-year period of intense collaboration ensued, resulting in nearly 100 revered recordings. Despite their roaring success, the duo's journey was tumultuous, marked by brief separations and re-collaborations. Their peak coincided with their shift to Radio Splendid, a significant player in the radio world at the time. The partnership ended in 1946, and though the reasons vary, the separation led to a transition in the orchestra's leadership.

D’Agostino’s later years in the 1950s saw more performances, radio appearances, and recordings with various singers, but never recaptured the magic of his collaboration with Vargas. He ultimately retired in 1962 but remained an active figure in Buenos Aires' nightlife. He passed away in 1991 at 90, remembered for his indelible contribution to tango. The news of his death highlighted his legacy as a tango maestro who lived with passion, his piano, and cherished memories.

Dagostino vargas

Ángel D'Agostino & Ángel Vargas

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