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] Famous tango masterpieces. Recommended popular songs (41–50)

Military TangoALFRED HAUSE

Military Tango (Alfred Hause)

Military TangoALFRED HAUSE

This “Military Tango” is a style of tango known as Continental Tango, performed in European countries such as France and Germany.

The piece has a fairly bright tone, giving it a different atmosphere from Argentine tango, which is also a form of tango.

It’s an irresistible track for fans of Continental Tango.

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Olé GuapaALFRED HAUSE

Tango – Ole Guapa – Alfred Hause

Olé GuapaALFRED HAUSE

It’s a well-known classic of Continental tango that you often hear.

The title is also sometimes given as “Ole Guapa.” In Spanish, “Olé” is a cheer or shout of encouragement, and “Guapa” means “pretty.” Put together, it’s roughly like saying, “Hey there, gorgeous!”

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Farewell, Plains (Adios Pampa Mia)Francisco Canaro&Mariano Mores

Adiós, pampa mía (Francisco Canaro y su orquesta típica)

Farewell, Plains (Adios Pampa Mia)Francisco Canaro&Mariano Mores

It is a song co-composed by Francisco Canaro and Mariano Mores as an insert song for the musical film “Tango in Paris.” Today, it has become a tango standard.

In Japan, Ranko Fujisawa’s rendition is well known.

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Black Eyes (Ojos Negros)Vicente Greco

Miguel, Villas-Boas Quintet #9-★

Black Eyes (Ojos Negros)Vicente Greco

There’s also a Russian song with the same Japanese title, but this one is a tango from Spain composed by Vicente Greco.

It does have lyrics, yet it’s most often performed as an instrumental.

It seems perfect for a small ensemble playing in the corner of a bar, where you can lean back and listen while slowly sipping your drink.

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OblivionÁstor Piazzolla

Piazzolla : Oblivion

OblivionÁstor Piazzolla

This piece is by Astor Piazzolla, the composer who represents tango and wrote works like Libertango and The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

It’s not the usual intensity, but more like a slow ballad that really tugs at the heart.

You won’t hear that quintessential tango rhythm here, but Piazzolla created tango works infused with many jazz and classical elements, and this one carries the characteristics of classical music.

It’s a recommended piece that showcases the breadth of tango and the charm of the bandoneon’s timbre.

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The Street Corner Where You Live (Rondando Tu Esquina)Alan Jay Lerner&Frederick Loewe

Rondando Tu Esquina

The Street Corner Where You Live (Rondando Tu Esquina)Alan Jay Lerner&Frederick Loewe

Watch “The Street Where You Live (Rondando Tu Esquina) Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Loewe” on YouTube

“Rondando Tu Esquina,” performed by one of the greatest harmonica players, Hugo Diaz.

Because it was played by Hugo Diaz, known as a harmonica prodigy, this tango masterpiece continues to be covered by many harmonica players today.

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A Small Café (In Einer Kleinen Konditorei)ALFRED HAUSE

A Small Café (Alfred Hause)

A Small Café (In Einer Kleinen Konditorei)ALFRED HAUSE

“A Little Café,” with its elegant, near-classical tango style that Alfred Hause excels at, leaves a strong impression.

While the rhythm is unmistakably tango, the piece blends various musical genres of its time, making it an unusual composition even among famous tangos.

The string textures—characteristically Hause, who studied as a violinist at the Weimar Conservatory—create a classical atmosphere and exude elegance.

It’s a tango that classical music lovers will find approachable and highly recommended.

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