Aníbal Carmelo Troilo (1914 - 1975), a.k.a. “el Gordo” and “Pichuco”, was a bandoneon player, composer, tango bandleader and beloved friend.
When he was ten years old, his mother bought him his first bandoneon which Troilo would use almost his entire career. His uncle and the radio provided him the only music lessons he had and “Pichuco” learned them very fast: since 1929 he was part of many bands and tango orchestras until he formed his own típica with his distinctive sound in which important musicians, later soloists or bandleaders themselves, would participate (for example, the singers Edmundo Rivero and Roberto “Polaco” Goyeneche, the guitarist Roberto Grela and Astor Piazzolla).
Troilo formed a creative duo with his best friend, the poet Homero Manzi; they composed together Sur, Che, bandoneón, Barrio de tango, Discepolín, Romance de barrio, songs that tango musicians consider authentic masterpieces of the genre. After Manzi’s death in 1951, Troilo composed Responso (prayer for the dead) in his memory, a heartfelt instrumental piece in which the bandoneon notes sound like the faltering breathing of “Pichuco”.
Astor Piazzolla, who revolutionized the genre in the 50’s, always expressed his admiration and affection for whom he considered his first maestro in tango. In 1970 they recorded two bandoneon duet pieces: that recording is a truly milestone in tango history, a warm embrace between two different styles and feelings.
PICHUCO'S "BREATHING"
ANÍBAL TROILO AND ÁSTOR PIAZZOLLA - VOLVER
