Tango Practice Music

This is not a compilation of popular tango music — there are infinite musical possibilities — but, rather, it lists my personal ‘core set’ of PRACTICE music I have found to be effective when I’m serious about increasing specific skills.

As a musician, I don’t like labels — I categorize this music simply as " TRADITIONAL" and "OTHER".

Have fun!

Traditional

  • R. Alvarez Pilo (a tango)
    Superb musicality & takes time to lay in expression.
    Showcases piano equally.
  • A. Bardi Gallo Ciego (a tango)
  • Rodolfo Biagi
    - El Ultima Adios (a vals) — Good and smooth.
    - Union Civica (pure tango classic) — Catchy.
    Buy at Amazon
  • D’Agostino Que Me Pasara (a vals)
  • D’Arienzo Des en Canto (a vals)
  • Diaz Volver—very communicative. Great rough edges. Time to play and experiment.
  • Di Sarli Bahaia Blanca (pure classic tango)
  • Donato Ella Es Asi (a milonga)
  • O. Herrero Nochero Soy (a tango. Popular)
    Buy at Amazon
  • A. Piazzolla Zum (a popular tango from the movie The Tango Lesson)
  • Osvaldo Pugliese Derecho Viejo. Like “Volver” (Diaz) with great rough edges.
    Buy at Amazon
  • Ricardo Tanturi
    - Mozo Guapo (a milonga).
    - Con Los Amigos (a milonga)
    - Mi Piba (pure tango classic)
  • Tango: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
    Absolutely Danceable.
    Tranditional Tango with a fresh interpretation.
    Buy at Amazon
  • The Tango Lesson: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
    Quirky. Memorable.
    Buy at Amazon

Other

  • Sigur Rós ( ) “parentheses”Sigur-Ros.com
    If you’re serious about getting your tango so that your dancing is “honey pouring out of a jar - controlled & sure" instead of being “water flowing out of a jar on momentum that is not controllable at each moment” you'll want to give Sigur Rós a listen.

    A must if you’re a ballroom dancer and social dancer of all forms of dance, this music is good for practice getting the roll through your hips; your extensions, transfers, collections; and that you’re not falling back on a heel. Good for keeping your skills up so you can be a better follower in all your social dance forms.
  • David Bowie Best of Bowie

    Under Pressure
    Cat People
    Slow Burn
    Life on Mars
    Fame


    Solid beats.
    Helps students relax and focus on the communication and interpretation root of Argentine Tango instead of dancing the Argentine Tango like other memorized pattern dance forms where the dancer’s first priority is the memorized pattern. Helps in practicing faster tempo skills. Good for helping leaders learn how to “lead only what can be led”.
  • Scorpions Humanity Hour 1

    We Were Born to Fly
    3, 2, 1
    The Future Never Dies


    Same as Bowie above plus these have some longer transitions and moments entering phrases of the music that you can use comfortably to sharpen up your musicality and your “honey pouring out of a jar” skills.