BCTO DiSarli Tanda

I’m posting here materials in support of the Berlin Community Tango Orchestra’s work playing a tanda of Di Sarli…I’ve offered two recordings of each piece, both of which are “danceable.”  In general, the recordings from the 40s are more often selected by experienced DJs, they reflect the orchestra in a time when the primary venue … Read more…

New Arrangement: Buscandoté

A new Fresedo tune joins the repertory of the CTO project.  “Buscandoté” is a romantic favorite with dancers, this arrangement sets the popular recorded Fresedo version for Orchestra Tipica (currently minus Harp and Vibraphone, but stay tuned…)  The arrangement is a collaboration with Stephan Schellin (pianist with the Berlin Community Tango Orchestra). Thanks Stephan for … Read more…

Community Tango Orchestra Fall Retreat (Tango Orchestra Lab) October 14-21

Do you play a music instrument?  Do you love tango?  Are you looking for a relaxed vacation with excellent food, beautiful bucolic setting, opportunities to dance, learn, and make music! Join us for a week of tango music and dance in the idyllic, pastoral setting of the Proitzer Mühle.  This historic waterfall mill has been … Read more…

DiSarli Workshop with Roger Helou – extra MP3s

I’m adding a few MP3s here to help in preparation for the DiSarli Tango Orchestra Workshop with Roger Helou in Berlin.  You can find these also embedded in the event listing above but here you can download the files (as long as you are registered with the CTO website).  If anyone has other files that … Read more…

Phantastango Participants Orchestra

This year’s Phantastango Participants orchestra will once again feature repertory from the Community Tango Orchestra Project and will be led by Korey Ireland with support from Max Peschek. We plan to play the following pieces (which are available here on the CTO website.). A la gran muneca (instr)  Hotel Victoria (instr)  Zorro Gris (instr)    … Read more…

New arrangement: La Melodia de Nuestros Adios

This arrangement is based on Canaro’s recording from 1938.  Its a relatively easy intermediate level arrangement and a very well known dance piece.  Medium tempo, attractive themes, and very clear structure make this a lovely addition to a Canaro tanda. I’ve made some adaptations and cues for orchestra’s lacking trumpet and clarinet.  You can see … Read more…

New arrangement: Fueron Tres Años

I’ve added a new arrangement of Varela’s Fueron Tres Años!  I have to say, I wasn’t originally a fan of Varela.  I found it initially a little overblown and dramatic.  But there are a few songs that have become extremely popular with tango Djs and after hearing and dancing to this song several times, I’ve … Read more…

Tango Mango Orchestra Project

Sunday, August 18 was the culminating performance of the Tango Orchestra Project of the 2014 Tango Mango in Devon, England.  This year we focussed on Canaro, interpreting three tangos (Melodia de Nuetros Adios, Cuartito Azul, and Poema), Milonga Sentimental, and a Vals – Desde el Alma.  As well as Fresedo’s Tigre Viejo, a mixed arrangement … Read more…

Mission Statement

The community tango orchestra project is a response to several opportunities in tango in the early 21st century. Musicians and dance historians explain the phenomenon of Golden Era Tango music in very practical terms. The musicians were playing music constantly for dancers. In many cases, multiple gigs each night. The financial success of the orquesta … Read more…