Music of a wonderful world

[Tango] Famous Tango Songs: Recommended Popular Tracks

Representative, Elysion Philharmonic Orchestrasai-kisaragi
Heisei College of Music, Composition Course. Studied composition and conducting under Keizo Ideta, piano under Chinami Kira, and arts management under Takuma Konishi. With a focus on community and music, I work to revitalize my hometown of Saga Prefecture. While performing as a double bassist with wind ensembles and orchestras across Kyushu, I participated on double bass in the “Orchestra Without Borders” orchestra camp of the professional game and anime music ensemble Eminence Orchestra, held in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in September 2012. During CAPCOM’s Kyushu Tour in 2016, I not only performed as an orchestra member but also served on the production staff. I currently serve as the managing representative for the game and anime performance groups Elysion Philharmonic Orchestra (Saga Prefecture) and Fukuoka Game Music Wind Orchestra (Fukuoka Prefecture), and handle conducting, arranging, and public relations.
Piano-playing singer-songwriter / Executive Committee Member, Special Music Festival in Rinku OsakaHousui Sachiyo
I learned to hit the keys on a toy piano, started Electone lessons at six, and began piano at ten. I loved the piano so much that I declared, “I want to go to a music college!” and from junior high I studied vocal music, ear training, and music theory (though I never even took the entrance exam in the end). In my childhood, my saxophone-playing father introduced me to jazz, and my mother to rockabilly. I was utterly obsessed with classical music in junior high. In high school, my grandmother took me to hear live tango performances, and before I knew it I’d become an eclectic listener. Lately, influenced by my high-school-aged daughter, I’ve been listening to koto music and nagauta. I hold the rather rare qualification of ‘Music Proficiency Test Level 3, Western Music track.’

A tango whose passionate rhythm and wistful melodies stir the heart.

Born on the street corners of Argentina, this music is now loved all around the world.

Have you ever felt a strange nostalgia or a flutter in your heart just by hearing the poignant tone of the bandoneon? Perhaps you’ve heard that memorable phrase in a movie or commercial and found yourself wanting to dive deeper into the world of tango.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of classic and famous tango pieces.

Whether you’re listening for the first time or already familiar with tango, you’re sure to discover something new.

We hope you’ll find a new favorite track!

[Tango] Tango Masterpieces: Recommended Popular Songs (21–30)

My Beloved Buenos Aires (Mi Buenos Aires Querido)Carlos Gardel

PLACIDO DOMINGO en el Obelisco “MI BUENOS AIRES QUERIDO” [HQ]

My Beloved Buenos Aires (Mi Buenos Aires Querido)Carlos Gardel

It’s “Mi Buenos Aires querido,” composed in 1934 by the Argentine singer Carlos Gardel.

Tango is said to have originated in Buenos Aires around the 1870s to 1880s, and lyrics were originally considered merely an accompaniment to the dance.

But with the arrival of Carlos Gardel, later tango singers came to admire him.

One of Gardel’s signature works is “Mi Buenos Aires querido,” which has been covered by numerous artists of global renown.

When Plácido Domingo—one of the Three Tenors—covered it, the song’s status as Gardel’s quintessential tango became unassailable.

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In pale lightEdgardo Donato

In Pale Light — Carlos Gardel

In pale lightEdgardo Donato

This song, Pale Light, is often thought to have been composed by Carlos Gardel due to its song image, but it was actually composed by Edgardo Nádor.

For an Argentine tango, it has a relatively light and easy-to-listen-to melody, making it a recommended piece even for those who have never listened to tango.

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[Tango] Famous Tango Songs: Recommended Popular Tracks (31–40)

Yira, Yira (Yira! Yira!)Enrique Santos Discépolo

Ranko Fujisawa Fujisawa Ranko_ YIRA... YIRA Jiira... Jiira

Yira, Yira (Yira! Yira!)Enrique Santos Discépolo

One of the classic masterpieces of Argentine tango.

The title “Yira yira” is said to be a word you won’t find in dictionaries, and seems to mean something like “to spin around” or “to wander aimlessly.” Slang and coined expressions are used throughout, and the content is quite world-weary.

Its atmosphere, so vivid it feels almost raw, calls to mind Portugal’s fado and French chanson.

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Antique Shop (Cambalache)Julio Iglesias

JULIO IGLESIAS “Cambalache”

Antique Shop (Cambalache)Julio Iglesias

If you only listen to the sound, it’s a lively tune, but the lyrics are quite biting, etched with words that criticize society.

Perhaps what makes it stylish is how it’s delivered so smoothly, without coming off as snide.

The vocalist is Julio Iglesias.

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A path in light rainHenry Himmel

MALANDO IL GARDEN IN ROUTE — Malando Orchestra: A Drizzling Path

A path in light rainHenry Himmel

Composed by Henry Himmel in the 1930s, “Kosame Furu Michi” (A Drizzly Path) is a classic Argentine tango with a comfortable tempo—neither too fast nor too slow—making it easy to dance to.

It became known in Japan after Yoichi Sugawara performed a cover at the 1986 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

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DanzarínJulian Plaza

Julian Plaza plays “Danzarin” (2000)

DanzarínJulian Plaza

Danzarín, composed by Julián Plaza, is striking for its sultry accordion performance.

The powerful interplay between the passionate expression unique to Argentine tango and the more subdued passages is breathtaking.

This piece is also highly regarded in Spanish-speaking countries.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy a heavier, brooding atmosphere.

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PayadoraJulian Plaza

Payadora

PayadoraJulian Plaza

Pajadora, which is characteristically marked by the freely expressive, wistful style typical of Argentine bandoneon player Julián Plaza, features the weighty melodies emblematic of Argentine tango appearing from time to time, yet maintains an overall bright tone.

Among Plaza’s works, it has an especially catchy groove, earning strong support in Spanish-speaking regions.

The latter half of the piece was used in figure skater Mao Asada’s exhibition program during the 2008–2009 season, so many figure skating fans are likely familiar with it.

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