Mariano Mores
TITAF-P-9817232
Real name Mariano Martínez
Life 18 February 1918 – 13 April 2016
Occupation
-
• pianist
• conductor
• composer
Instrument
-
• piano
Place of birth Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Country of birth Argentina
Citizenship
-
• Argentina
TodoTango: Link
Mariano Mores (born Mariano Alberto Martínez 18 February 1918 – 13 April 2016) was an Argentine tango composer, pianist, and conductor. He was a pivotal figure in the evolution of tango, known for blending classical music elements with traditional tango, thereby creating a symphonic tango style.
Biography
Early Life and Education
Mores was born in the San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. He began studying piano at a young age and showed prodigious talent. At 14, he made his professional debut at Café Vicente on Corrientes Avenue. He studied classical music at the D'Andrea Conservatory in Lanús Oeste and completed his studies in just three years. He also studied at the First Argentine Academy of Interpretation, directed by Luis Rubistein. Argentina.gob.ar
Early Career
Mores initially performed with the folk group La Cuyanita and later joined Roberto Firpo's orchestra as a pianist. He formed the Trío Mores with sisters Margot Mores and Myrna Mores; after marrying Myrna (née Guillermina Morales), he adopted her stage surname as his own. In 1938, he composed music for the film Senderos de fe, which, despite its lack of success, introduced him to influential figures like Rodolfo Sciammarella and Alberto Vaccarezza.
Collaboration with Francisco Canaro
From 1939 to 1948, Mores served as the lead pianist for Canaro's orchestra. During this period, he co-composed several notable tangos, including "Uno" (1943), "Sin palabras" (1946), and "Cafetín de Buenos Aires" (1948) with Enrique Santos Discépolo. He also collaborated with José María Contursi on pieces like "En esta tarde gris" (1941), "Tu piel de jazmín" (1941), "Gricel" (1942), and "Cristal" (1944).
Formation of His Own Orchestra
In 1948, Mores left Canaro's orchestra to form his own ensemble, debuting at the Teatro Presidente Alvear. His orchestra featured a large, theatrical style with elaborate arrangements, incorporating elements of classical music. He introduced the Modern Rhythmic Sextet, adding instruments like electric guitar, organ, and percussion to traditional tango ensembles.
Film and Television
Mores appeared in several films, including Corrientes, calle de ensueños (1949) and La doctora quiere tangos (1950), often performing his compositions. He also starred in television series such as M ama a M (1957) and La familia Mores (1967).
Later Years and Legacy
Mores continued to perform and compose into his later years, participating in the documentary Café de los Maestros (2008). He received numerous accolades, including the Platinum Konex Award in 1985 for Best Tango Composer of the History. In 2000, he was voted Best Tango Composer of the Century, and his composition "Taquito militar" was named Best Milonga of the Century. Wikipedia
He passed away on 13 April 2016 in Buenos Aires at the age of 98.
Notable Compositions
"Cuartito azul" (1939) – with Mario Battistella
"Uno" (1943) – with Enrique Santos Discépolo
"Sin palabras" (1946) – with Enrique Santos Discépolo
"Cafetín de Buenos Aires" (1948) – with Enrique Santos Discépolo
"En esta tarde gris" (1941) – with José María Contursi
"Gricel" (1942) – with José María Contursi
"Cristal" (1944) – with José María Contursi
"Adiós pampa mía" (1945) – with Francisco Canaro and Ivo Pelay
"Taquito militar" (1952) – instrumental
"Tanguera" (1955) – instrumental
"El firulete" (1953) – with Rodolfo Taboada
"La calesita" (1953) – with Cátulo Castillo
"Una lágrima tuya" (1949) – with Homero Manzi
"Frente al mar" (1963) – with Rodolfo Taboada
Discography Highlights
Mariano Mores Volumen No. 2 (1957)
Mariano Mores Volumen No. 3 (1958)
Poema en tango (1960)
Mariano Mores en México, Volumen No. 7 (1961)
Mariano Mores y su Sexteto Rítmico Moderno Vol. 8 (1963)
External Links
Orchestras
No known group memberships.
Recordings
No recordings found.