Alfredo Attadía
Real name Alfredo Adolfo Attadía
Life 9 January 1914 – 30 January 1982
Pseudonyms
-
• El Bandoneón de Oro
Occupation
-
• bandoneonist
• composer
• conductor
Instrument
-
• bandoneon
Place of birth San Martín, Buenos Aires
Country of birth Argentina
Citizenship
-
• Argentina
TodoTango: Link
Alfredo Attadía was an Argentine bandoneonist, arranger, and composer, renowned for his powerful milonguero phrasing and contributions to some of the most emblematic tango orchestras of the 20th century. Born in the San Andrés neighborhood of San Martín, Buenos Aires Province, he was the son of Italian immigrants. His father supported his early musical interest by purchasing a used bandoneon and arranging lessons with Agustín Dellafranca.[1]
Early Career
Attadía made his debut at the age of 17, playing in a women’s orchestra at Confitería París in San Martín. His early steps in the tango world included stints with the orchestras of Alberto Pugliese and Ricardo Malerba. In 1933, he joined the Sexteto de Alfredo Gobbi, where he performed alongside a young Aníbal Troilo, Orlando Goñi, and Agustín Furchi.[1]
Later, he co-founded the short-lived Típica Florida with pianist Alfredo De Angelis, and went on to join Rodolfo Biagi’s newly formed orchestra, where he made his first arrangements. He briefly played in the orchestra of Armando Baliotti, who reportedly dubbed him el bandoneón de oro — the golden bandoneon.[2]
Rise to Fame with D’Agostino
Attadía's career took a decisive turn when he was invited to join the orchestra of Ángel D'Agostino as lead bandoneonist and arranger. There, he formed a key creative alliance with singer Ángel Vargas. Together with Enrique Cadícamo, they created the immortal tango Tres esquinas, which became a staple of milongas worldwide.[2]
Despite musical success, tensions emerged when Attadía and Vargas left D’Agostino’s orchestra in 1943 to form their own ensemble. The collaboration was short-lived, and Vargas soon returned to D’Agostino. Attadía kept the musicians and toured Uruguay for a year before returning to Argentina, where he continued performing with singers such as Aldo Campoamor and later Héctor Pacheco.[1]
Political Exile and Life Abroad
A strong supporter of Juan Perón, Attadía went into exile following the 1955 coup. He settled in Caracas, Venezuela, where he continued to perform and record. According to his own recollections, he missed the golden era of Buenos Aires tango deeply but found some solace working alongside artists such as Agustín Irusta.[2]
As Orchestra Leader
Attadía led his own orchestra with considerable success. He recorded widely, including tangos like El Yacaré, co-written with Mario Soto, interpreted by Armando Moreno. His ensemble also featured singers such as Enzo Valentino, Héctor Pacheco, and Jorge Beiró. Notable performances included appearances at Radio El Mundo, Radio Belgrano, the Chantecler Cabaret, the Dancing Ocean, and the Moulin Rouge.[1][2]
Legacy
Attadía passed away in Caracas in 1982 at the age of 68. His legacy endures through his compositions and arrangements.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Abel Palermo, "Alfredo Attadía," TodoTango.com
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Tangosalbardo, "Alfredo Attadía," TangoSalbardo Blog, 2014
Orchestras
- Orquesta Típica Ángel D’Agostino– musician (1939–1943)
Recordings
No recordings found.