There is an abundance of Tango music out there and it can be confusing as to where to start or to even know which orchestras are best for dancing. To learn more about Tango music here is an excellent article by Robert Hauk of Portland, Oregon.
Below is a list of orchestras that all Tango dancers should have in their collection (thanks to ToTANGO for this list):
Juan D’Arienzo
He filled the halls to fuel the Golden Era. King of rhythmic style.
Suggested recording: Juan D’Arienzo:Discografía Completa Vol. 1
Carlos Di Sarli
Unique, sexy, refined, classic. His 50’s recordings essential for teaching, inculcating.
Suggested recording: Inolvidables Rca: 20 Grandes Exitos
Francisco Canaro
Seminal, worldy, sophisticated in an earthy way, polished. Most prolific tango recording artist. Suggested recording: Poema
Angel D’Agostino
Infectious, distinctive, felicitous. Might not be here without singer Angel Vargas.
Suggested recording:
Osvaldo Pugliese
Daring, inventive, inspirational, perennial.
Suggested recording: Edicion Aniversario: 1905-2005
Miguel Caló
Gloriously melodic while smoothly rhythmic. Sublime dance material.
Suggested recording: Grandes Del Tango 45
Ricardo Tanturi
Anthemic, hot, passionate. Great vocalists.
Suggested recording: Grandes Del Tango 33
Pedro Laurenz
One of the great composers. One of the great bandoneonists. Arrangements and playing almost on its own level of subtle sophistication.
Suggested recording: Grandes Del Tango 26
Osvaldo Fresedo
Light but movingly rhythmic – more than pleasant. Great transition music to set new moods.
Suggested recording:
Aníbal Troilo
Grand, prolific, varied; exceptional bandoneonist. Noble, poignant passion.
Suggested recording: Barrio De Tango
Rodolfo Biagi
His piano style was kept ’till the end by D’Arienzo in his pianists. Subtle syncopation totally unique. Suggested recording: Tango Collection
Enrique Rodriguez
Delicately funky. Totally social tango.
Suggested recording: The History of Tango / Enrique Rodriguez – Recordings 1939-1946
Lucio Demare
Gorgeous orchestrations and voicings.
Suggested recording: Sus Primeros Exitos
Edgardo Donato
Mr. Soul! What sexy milongas!
Suggested recording:
Francisco Lomuto
Lovely vintage orchestra playing classic songs. Great tango, vals, milonga.
Suggested recording: Tango Collection
Orquesta Típica Victor
(With Canaro and Lomuto) best sounding link to the old, old days. Ventarron!
Suggested recording: The History of Tango / Orquesta Tipica Victor / Recordings 1926 – 1940
Alfredo De Angelis
Great valses. Rich orchestrations.
Recommended recording: Tangos Sentimentales
