Read more about Roberto Firpo
Uncorrected translation by Google translate
As an orchestra leader, interpreter and composer, Roberto Firpo was one of the first to develop the tango. He had great musical knowledge, brought the piano into the tango ensemble and remained faithful to the traditional tango. He had a polished playing style and brought the romantic melody into the tango, until then strange for this music, aimed at dancers.
As a teenager he went to Buenos Aires to broaden his horizons. He bought a piano with the money he earned himself and started taking lessons at the age of 19. Four years later he was already composing and made his debut in a trio that played at the famous Lo de Hansen. In this entertainment venue, tango was danced in the back room.
In 1913 he formed his first group and played (still popular) hits, such as Alma de Bohemio, undoubtedly his most famous work, and where the romantic melody was fully expressed.
He also composed many waltzes. In 1916 he played for the first time, in Montevideo, the tangos of all tangos, La Cumparsita (by Matos Rodríguez). Firpo played in all important venues, with small and larger orchestras. It brought him fame and money.
In 1930 he left tango and continued as a cattle farmer. Due to setbacks with his cattle and at the stock market, he reassembled his orchestra a few years later and started again.
Firpo’s career was long. His discography is large with around 300 recordings.