Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Argentina

Birth

:

June 15, 1916

Death

:

August 9, 2016

 

Horacio Salgán was a renowned Argentine composer and pianist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on June 15, 1916, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a family of musicians. His father, Don Ángel Salgán, was a tango musician, and his mother, Doña María Luisa Giacobbe, was a pianist. Horacio Salgán grew up in a musical environment and started playing the piano at a young age. Salgán's musical education began at the age of six when he started taking piano lessons from his mother. He later studied with renowned pianists such as Vicente Scaramuzza and Pedro Rubinstein. Salgán's interest in music was not limited to the piano; he also learned to play the bandoneón, a type of accordion used in tango music. Salgán's career as a composer began in the 1940s when he started working with the famous tango singer and composer, Ángel D'Agostino. Together, they composed several tango pieces that became popular in Argentina and other parts of the world. Some of their most famous compositions include "A Evaristo Carriego," "Cascabelito," and "La Cumparsita." In the 1950s, Salgán formed his own orchestra, which became known as the Horacio Salgán Orchestra. The orchestra consisted of some of the best musicians in Argentina, and they played a unique style of tango music that was influenced by classical music. Salgán's compositions were characterized by complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and a sophisticated use of counterpoint. Salgán's music was not limited to tango; he also composed classical music pieces. In 1956, he composed his first classical work, a piano concerto titled "Concierto para Piano y Orquesta." The concerto was well-received, and it was performed by several orchestras in Argentina and other countries. Salgán's most famous classical work is his "Suite Porteña," which he composed in 1975. The suite consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different style of Argentine music. The first movement, "Milonga," is a slow and melancholic piece that is reminiscent of the music played in the rural areas of Argentina. The second movement, "Chacarera," is a lively and rhythmic piece that is based on the music played in the northern regions of Argentina. The third movement, "Zamba," is a romantic and lyrical piece that is based on the music played in the central regions of Argentina. The fourth movement, "Malambo," is a fast and energetic piece that is based on the music played in the southern regions of Argentina. Salgán continued to compose music well into his old age. In 2005, at the age of 89, he composed his last work, a piece titled "A Don Agustín Bardi." The piece was a tribute to the famous tango composer and bandoneón player, Agustín Bardi. Salgán's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized by several awards and honors. In 1988, he was awarded the Konex Award, which is given to the most outstanding personalities in the arts and sciences in Argentina. In 1996, he was awarded the National Prize for Music, which is the highest honor given to musicians in Argentina. Horacio Salgán passed away on August 19, 2016, at the age of 100. He left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His unique style of tango music, which combined elements of classical music with traditional Argentine music, has earned him a place among the greatest composers of the 20th century.

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