The Origins

Music is an integral part of Tango. From the early years (pre 1920's) until today, Tango music has been in a constant phase of changes. Tango seek to touch the soul of those who are open and able to listen with the 'heart'. It does not matter if you don't understand the lyrics as the powerful Tango sound will make you feel the message in each song. Tango music is about life, love and pain but is also about resilience and the pleasures in life.. it involves rhythm and melodic changes without the need for any kind of percussion instrument.

To feel the music, simple listen to it. While your driving to work, at home or even at a online radio . This will also help you with your dancing skills!

And what about the lyrics?

Not many Tango lyrics have been translated to other languages as in its origins, Tango lyrics were mainly written in a mysterious and secretive dialect called Lunfardo. It was used particularly by the many underground groups surrounding the city of Buenos Aires. Lunfardo literally means 'robber'. 

The Lunfardo's secretive nature make it very difficult to trace some of the origins and meaning of their words, specially at the beginning of the Tango movement in the early 20's. The Lunfardo compiled a whole range of vocal expressions, gestures and words from the massive number of immigrants and other disadvantage people during that time. Even today, Lunfardo can be a complete mystery for many of the Spanish speaking communities of our days.

If you would like to access the Lunfardo Dictionary (Spanish version) please contact the CTC and we will  assist you. Also, you can access some of the Tango lyrics that have been translated into Spanish; English, German, French, Italian and Portuguese!!

Tango Music...

If you are interested in starting your own collection of Tango music, why not contact Cambalache Tango Club? We have developed the CTC Song List to guide you in your search for good Tango music.

This list is part of our extensive collection of over 700 Tangos, Milongas and Valses. From la Cumparsita to Strictly Dancing Ballroom Tango, from Gardel to Gotan Project and from Canaro to Piazolla.. We have them all!.

If you are beginner dancer, then we can recommend you some songs that have a stronger beat so it becomes easier to listen, lead and dance in tune with the music. Once you have developed your tango 'listening skills' you may want to start trying something a bit more complex in terms of beats, rhythms and possible choreographies.

Feel free to make contact with us and have a look at your most favourite Tango songs from our list of songs available.

If you are unsure where to start, please feel free to include a bit of your background, contact numbers and what (primarily) would you like to do with the music (dancing/ singing/ listening/choreographies) so we can help you making the right decision. We will be  happy to assist you.

To help you in your search, the CTC have included here is a small selection of some classic Tangos of all times provided by the Todo Tango website. This selection will give an idea of the Tango styles per author and composer so feel free to listen to them online by clicking on the title of the song or learn more about the creators by clicking on the particular names. Enjoy!

'I put on record expressly that my true name and surname are Carlos Romualdo Gardes, but due to my profession as artist, I have taken and always used the surname "Gardel" and with this surname I am known everywhere'

[C. Gardel's testament]

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